4 weeks ago
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National League club Morecambe have appointed the first Sikh manager in British football history after sacking former boss Derek Adams on Monday.
Ashvir Singh Johal, who arrives at the club having never managed a first-team side before, joins from Notts Couty where he worked as a B Team head coach.
The new Shrimps boss is now also the youngest manager in the top five tiers of English football, landing the job at just 30 years of age.
He previously worked as a full-time coach under former Wigan boss Kolo Toure and spent 10 years at Leicester City training the Foxes' youth ranks.
Announcing the appointment on their website on Tuesday, the club said: 'Morecambe Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Ashvir Singh Johal as the Club’s new First Team Manager.
'He arrives at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium with an excellent reputation as a forward-thinking coach and leader, bringing with him a wealth of experience in player development, tactical innovation, and building high-performance cultures.
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Fifth-tier club Morecambe have appointed the first Sikh manager in British football history
Ashvir Singh Johal, pictured alongside former Wigan boss Kolo Toure, is now also the youngest manager in the top five tiers of English football, landing the job at just 30 years of age
His appointment comes just days after Morecambe were saved from financial turmoil (fans protesting above before a group known as Panjab Warriors won approval for a club takeover)
Morecambe Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Ashvir Singh Johal as the Club’s new First Team Manager.
The full interview will be available at 09:30 🎥#UTS 🦐
'In June 2025, at 30 years old, he completed his UEFA Pro Licence with the FA, the highest qualification in management and football coaching.
'His appointment marks an exciting new era for the Shrimps as the Club continues its journey under fresh ownership and renewed ambition.'
Outlining his ambitions for the club, the 30-year-old boss said: 'The immediate priority right now is going to be to identify the players that we need in this building to ensure Morecambe Football Club can perform well in the National League.'
His appointment comes just days after Morecambe were saved from financial turmoil, with a group known as Panjab Warriors winning approval for a club takeover.
Prior to the agreement, Morecambe, who were relegated from League Two last term after a dismal campaign, had their first three matches postponed due to an inability to meet financial obligations.
National League officials say they have now given the green light to the takeover and that their suspension of the club will be lifted upon receipt of the sale and purchase agreement.
A transfer embargo will remain in place until HMRC and other creditors including staff and players have been paid.
