LANCASHIRE – Ashvir Singh Johal, aged 30 and born in Leicester, has taken charge at Morecambe Football Club, becoming the first Sikh to manage a professional British team. His appointment, announced on 19 August 2025, makes him the youngest manager across the top five divisions in England.
The news has not only energized supporters in the UK but also sparked a wave of pride throughout the Sikh community worldwide, especially in India, where his story is seen as a symbol of ambition and representation.
Ashvir Singh Johal’s Coaching Journey
Johal’s path to the Morecambe FC hot seat shows his commitment and fast rise through football’s coaching system. He started playing and coaching at GNG Leicester, a grassroots club with links to the local gurdwara.
His coaching career took off during ten years at Leicester City’s academy, guiding players from the under-7s up to the under-18s during the club’s successful years that included their 2016 Premier League title. Johal often credits Brendan Rodgers, Leicester’s former head coach, for shaping his views on developing young players and modern tactics.
In 2022, Ashvir Singh Johal moved into senior coaching with Wigan Athletic, joining as a first-team coach under Kolo Touré. This role made him the first Sikh-Punjabi coach working pitchside in the Championship. Though Wigan faced tough times, Johal describes the experience as key for learning how to handle pressure and guide a squad during struggles.
He then spent time as assistant manager to Cesc Fàbregas, working with Como’s under-19 team in Italy, where he tried new training styles. Before Morecambe’s offer, he managed Notts County’s B team, developing players and sharpening his leadership skills.
In June 2025, Ashvir Singh Johal achieved his UEFA Pro Licence, one of the top coaching badges in football, making him one of the youngest coaches in England with this qualification. These experiences give him a strong reputation for forward-thinking methods and a clear focus on helping players progress.
Why Morecambe Turned to Johal
Morecambe’s choice came after a period of uncertainty. The club had struggled, but the Panjab Warriors consortium, a London-based group and the first Sikh-led football club owners in England, rescued Morecambe with a takeover on 17 August 2025.
Derek Adams, the previous manager, was dismissed just after the takeover, and Johal was quickly brought in. The new owners wanted a manager who matched their values around diversity, fresh ideas and growth for the club.
The Panjab Warriors had planned for Johal’s arrival months before the deal was final. His age, drive, and ability to connect with their diverse vision made him an obvious pick.
Morecambe’s statement highlighted Johal’s experience in coaching, his new ideas for playing style and his skills in building strong team cultures. The anti-discrimination group Kick It Out called his hiring a “significant milestone” for increasing representation in football leadership.
Ashvir Singh Johal faces a tough start. Morecambe, recently relegated from League Two, goes into the National League campaign with just five players under contract and without training insurance. Their first two games were called off due to money troubles, and the opening clash with Altrincham on 23 August is not guaranteed to go ahead. Johal’s biggest focus is assembling a squad and playing exciting, fast football so Morecambe can move back up the table.
Indian Fans Welcome a New Hero
Ashvir Singh Johal’s appointment has made waves in India, especially among Sikh and South Asian football fans. Supporters have posted messages of support and celebration across social media platforms.
Accounts like @RT_India_news broke the news, while fans shared how they see Johal as a role model. @Sanny_Rudra praised his journey from Leicester’s youth system to becoming a leading figure for British Asians in sport.
For Indian fans, many of whom follow English football and hope for more South Asian stars in big leagues, Johal’s new role is a powerful moment. As Rohan Singh, a Delhi supporter, put it on X: “This is huge for us. Seeing a Sikh manager in England means our kids can dream big.” The Panjab Warriors’ ownership has created even closer links between Morecambe and fans in India.
Morecambe FC now stands at a crossroads. After falling out of the Football League for the first time in nearly two decades, the club nearly went out of business due to its former owner’s poor financial management. The Panjab Warriors’ takeover lifted the National League’s suspension, cleared wages and settled club debts. Still, with only a handful of players and issues like kit delays, the new season brings real challenges.
Ashvir Singh Johal doesn’t just want the club to recover; he wants to build something lasting. He points to examples like Stockport County, who built up from the National League to League One with careful planning and strong foundations.
Ashvir Singh Johal stressed in an interview with the club’s website the need for a clear “Morecambe way” of playing that relies on hard work and connecting with the community. Supporters are beginning to believe in his new approach, even if cautious after recent setbacks.
Ashvir Singh Johal’s arrival marks more than just another change in management. For Morecambe, it signals a fresh chapter and hope for better times under dynamic owners. For English football, it is a breakthrough in diversity and leadership, as Johal’s Sikh background smashes old barriers.
In India, his journey inspires fans and young players, proving that chances in football exist for people from all backgrounds. With Johal now leading Morecambe, many will watch closely as he tries to drive the club back to success.
