In an official statement on 19 August 2025, Morecambe Football Club announced Ashvir Singh Johal as their first-team manager, making him the youngest manager in England’s top five leagues at just 30. He also becomes the first Sikh to hold such a historic role in English football. The appointment follows the club’s formal takeover by the Sikh-led Panjab Warriors consortium, making Morecambe the first British professional club owned by Sikhs.

Born in Leicester in 1995, Johal’s journey began at GNG Leicester (a non-league club tied to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara), where he eventually balanced playing and coaching football. He spent a decade at Leicester City’s academy, gradually progressing from community projects to coaching the under-18 teams under the mentorship of Brendan Rodgers.

In 2022, Johal became the first Sikh to join an EFL coaching staff at Wigan Athletic FC, gaining valuable experience under Kolo Touré. Despite Wigan’s struggles, he learned to perform brilliantly under high-pressure situations, honing skills that define his managerial approach today. Later in 2023, Johal joined Como’s under-19 team in Italy as assistant to Cesc Fàbregas, where he gained exposure to European tactical expertise and modern coaching techniques. He then returned to England to take charge of Notts County’s B-team.

Holding a UEFA Pro Licence, Ashvir takes charge of Morecambe at a critical moment. The Shrimps, relegated to the National League in 2024–25 after 18 years in the EFL, were on the brink of collapse amid financial turmoil. A National League suspension delayed their season start, but the Panjab Warriors’ takeover on August 17, 2025, lifted the crisis. Johal, chosen before the deal’s completion, replaced Derek Adams and swiftly signed 12 players to rebuild a squad left with only five contracted players.

Johal has set out a clear, bold vision: to steady Morecambe in the National League with “exciting, energetic football” and push for an eventual return to the EFL. “We want to make sure the chaos of recent years never happens again,” he said, grounding his approach in community spirit and the resilience of his Sikh values. His debut on August 23, 2025, saw a dramatic 2-1 win over Altrincham with a stoppage-time goal. Though his record as of 2 September stands at one win and three defeats from four matches, it reflects the scale of the rebuild and the foundations he is determined to lay.

As the first Sikh manager in British professional football, Johal is breaking barriers in a game where South Asian leadership has long been absent. Kick It Out called it “History Made!” noting its significance for diversity. Often seen wearing a patka, Johal’s visibility is already inspiring future generations. “I’m proud to lead Morecambe and build a team that excites fans,” he added, focusing on dominance and fan engagement.

For Morecambe, a club founded in 1920 with a long history of defying the odds, Johal’s arrival marks a fresh start. Backed by the Sikh-led Panjab Warriors, whose takeover has brought stability and ambition, the club is ready to rebuild. Challenges persist, such as integrating new players and navigating a congested National League schedule, but the team of Panjab Warriors is all set to embrace them with full conviction and strength. Johal’s youth development expertise and fresh approach offer hope at Mazuma Stadium, where fans seek stability after years of turmoil.

Johal’s appointment is a landmark for Morecambe FC and English football. With his bold vision, cultural pride, and relentless drive, he is poised to transform Morecambe into a symbol of unity and ambition, inspiring a new era where diversity fuels success on and off the pitch.