Ashvir Singh Johal makes history as first Sikh manager in British professional football

Dubai: Ashvir Singh Johal has expressed his excitement about joining Morecambe, after making history on Tuesday by becoming the first Sikh manager in British professional football.

After his appointment, he took to X to express his delight saying, "Extremely proud to be appointed as manager of @MorecambeFC. Excited to get to work and build something special!

The 30-year-old also becomes the youngest manager ever appointed across the top five tiers of English football.

“I’ve been fortunate to learn from some incredible people, and I’m especially grateful to Kolo [Toure] and Cesc [Fabregas],” Johal told the BBC earlier this year.

“I know what world-class standards look like, how to lead with clarity, and how to develop a team with a clear identity.”

Johal replaces Derek Adams, a popular figure at the club who was dismissed on Monday by Morecambe’s new owners, Panjab Warriors. The sacking followed the completion of their takeover just days earlier, ending prolonged uncertainty over the club’s future.

Although this will be his first role as a senior team manager, Johal brings experience from working under Kolo Toure at Wigan Athletic and assisting Cesc Fàbregas with the youth setup at Italian club Como.

Morecambe, who play in the National League — the fifth tier of English football — will begin their campaign against Altrincham on Saturday. Their first two fixtures were postponed due to financial instability prior to the takeover.