Askou on manager of year snub, player nominations & Motherwell smiles

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking to the media before his side's trip to face Falkirk this weekend.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• Askou says his side's win against Rangers "was a good indicator of where we feel we are and where we want to be as a club right now, leading into the last part of the season". He says it has been "easier to find some smiles in the squad" after their win, despite performing well at Tynecastle and losing.
• "I think we're in a good place and just extremely excited to go out and compete," he adds.
• On not being nominated for PFA Scotland manager of the year, Askou says: "I want to obviously say that I think Derek [McInnes], John [MGlynn] and Gary [Naysmith] really deserve the recognition and the praise because of what they've been able to do."
• He adds: "I think it's very cool that a manager from not necessarily the top league also gets some recognition, and I think Derek's results and where Hearts are right now speaks for itself."
• Askou focused on club and personal achievements instead of individual accolades: "Then it's about creating excitement among the fans and I think we've been very successful with both parts. And I have also been blessed with getting myself the best and most wonderful wife I could dream of, and those things are what really matter to me."
• On Tawanda Maswanhise and Elijah Just being nominated for PFA player of the year, he says it is an important step for the club in their recruitment strategy and admits it will also be beneficial when it comes to selling them as it can "lift their value".
• The Dane adds: "And then it's also something that will increase our ability to attract new players that they can see, they can come here, they can shine in our environment, they can get a lot of praise and attention and then take the next step in their career."
• Askou wants revenge on Falkirk this weekend having lost twice and drawn once with the Bairns this season: "We cannot wait to go to Falkirk tomorrow and get back at them and really make it very, very difficult for them, hopefully not to lose just at least once this season."