Morecambe FC have sacked manager Ashvir Singh Johal after a disastrous spell in charge of the club.
The National League team sit second from bottom after winning just five out of 28 league games under the 30-year-old and are five points adrift of the safety with 18 games remaining. He took charge of the team following Panjab Warriors’ takeover last August, when they sacked experienced boss Derek Adams and installed Johal, despite the fact he had never managed a first-team side before.
He became the first Sikh to manage a British professional side and English football’s youngest boss, after a chaotic period which saw Morecambe relegated from the English Football League, while off-field issues plagued their pre-season and led to their suspension from the National League. But they have suffered 17 league defeats, with Johal’s post-match interviews regularly going viral on social media.
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His dismissal follows a five-game winless run in the National League as they look to avoid successive relegations, which would take them into regional football for the first time since 1995.
In a statement, Morecambe said: “Morecambe Football Club can confirm that the club and first team manager Ashvir Singh Johal have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.
“Ashvir joined the Shrimps during a challenging period and has worked tirelessly alongside his staff to stabilise the squad, integrate new players, and represent the club with professionalism and integrity both on and off the pitch.
“The board would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Ashvir for his commitment, dedication, and the way he has conducted himself throughout his time. He leaves with our best wishes for the future.
“Assistant manager, Lee Tomlin and first-team coach, Neil Wainwright will take joint charge of first-team affairs on an interim basis while the club undertakes the process of appointing a new manager.
“The process to appoint a new first team manager is underway. We will keep supporters informed as appropriate, and thank you, as always, for your continued backing of the team and the club.”
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