Ashvir Singh Johal: The First Sikh Manager in British Professional Football

Morecambe, England – Football history was made this week when 30-year-old Ashvir Singh Johal became the first Sikh ever appointed as a professional manager in Britain. His new role at Morecambe FC doesn’t just break barriers—it sets a record too, making him the youngest manager across the top five tiers of English football.

On Tuesday, shortly after the announcement, Johal shared his excitement online:

“Extremely proud to be appointed as manager of @MorecambeFC. Excited to get to work and build something special!”

It’s a dream that has been years in the making. Johal cut his teeth working alongside some of football’s biggest names—learning under Kolo Touré at Wigan Athletic and later assisting Cesc Fàbregas at Como in Italy.

“I know what world-class standards look like,” he said earlier this year. “It’s about clarity, leadership, and creating a team with a real identity.”

Johal now steps into the role following the departure of Derek Adams, a respected figure at the club. His appointment also comes at a pivotal time for Morecambe, who have recently been taken over by new owners, Panjab Warriors, ending months of uncertainty off the pitch.

The challenge ahead is enormous. Morecambe play in the National League—the fifth tier of English football—and financial struggles meant their first two fixtures were postponed. But with Johal at the helm, hope is returning.

For many, his appointment is more than just about football—it’s a landmark moment of representation. A young British Sikh manager leading a professional side shows how the game continues to open doors for new voices, new cultures, and new stories.

This Saturday, Johal’s journey truly begins when Morecambe face Altrincham in their opening match of the season. Win, lose, or draw—it will be remembered as the start of something historic.