Ashvir Singh Johal named manager of Morecambe; becomes youngest manager in top five tiers of English football
Johal becomes the first British Asian manager to coach a team in the top five leagues of English football.
Ashvir Singh Johal is appointed manager of Morecambe, making him the first Sikh to lead a professional British team.
In addition, the 30-year-old becomes the youngest manager in English football’s top five divisions.
A protracted period of confusion for the National League team came to an end on Sunday when the Panjab Warriors consortium took over the Shrimps.
Derek Adams was fired on Monday, and Johal, who has never managed a first-team, took his place.
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Ashvir Singh Johal previously worked under Cesc Fabregas and Kolo Toure
Johal used to serve as an assistant under Cesc Fabregas while with the junior squad at Como and under Kolo Toure at Wigan.
Johal additionally became one of the youngest coaches in English football history to earn his UEFA Pro Licence qualification earlier this summer.
He worked in Leicester City’s youth for ten years in a variety of capacities before joining Wigan in 2022 for senior football.
In an interview with the BBC in June, Johal said: “I have been fortunate to work with and learn from some incredible people, and I’m especially grateful to Kolo and Cesc.
“I know what world-class standards look like, how to lead with clarity, and how to develop a team with a real identity.
“We will create an environment that brings the best out of people, that people want to be part of, and that drives people to improve every day.”
After Morecambe was punished by the National League for violating the league’s regulations, their opening games were postponed.
In their first competitive game since being demoted to League Two in May, they are set to meet Altrincham on Saturday.
Singh Johal, 30, has become one of the youngest managers to obtain the UEFA Pro Licence. He has never played professional football and rose through the coaching levels with 10 years at Leicester. In the summer, he left Notts County, where he was appointed head coach of their B Team.
Who is Ashvir Singh Johal?
He is the first Sikh to take charge of a professional British football club.
Has he previously worked as a manager?
Yes, he has worked as a manager at various clubs and served as an assistant coach as well.
Has he played football before?
He has never played professional football and rose through the coaching levels with 10 years at Leicester.
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