Who is Ashvir Singh Johal? First Sikh to Manage a Professional British Football Club

Ashvir Singh Johal has made history by becoming the first Sikh manager of a professional British football club after being appointed as the new manager of Morecambe FC.

At just 30 years old, Johal is also the youngest manager across the top five tiers of English football, a remarkable achievement that highlights his rapid rise in the sport.

The appointment comes shortly after the Panjab Warriors consortium completed their takeover of Morecambe on Sunday, ending months of uncertainty for the National League side. Johal replaces Derek Adams, who was dismissed on Monday.

Johal’s Football Journey

Johal, who proudly wears a Pagg (traditional Sikh head covering), has built an impressive coaching résumé despite his young age. He worked under Kolo Touré at Wigan Athletic and later became assistant to Cesc Fàbregas with the youth team at Italian club Como.

Earlier in 2025, he also achieved his Uefa Pro Licence, making him one of the youngest coaches in English football history to do so. Before stepping into senior football, Johal spent a decade at Leicester City’s academy, where he played a key role in youth development.

His Vision for Morecambe

Speaking in an earlier interview with the BBC, Johal credited mentors like Kolo Touré and Cesc Fàbregas for shaping his career.

“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.”

With his appointment, Ashvir Singh Johal not only breaks barriers in British football but also brings a fresh vision to Morecambe FC as the club enters a new era under its new ownership.