Morecambe FC have parted ways with manager Ashvir Singh Johal following a disastrous spell that left the club struggling near the bottom of the National League.
The Shrimps currently sit second from bottom after winning just five of 28 league matches under the 30-year-old. They are five points from safety with 18 games remaining and face the prospect of successive relegations.
Johal took charge last August after Panjab Warriors completed a takeover and dismissed experienced manager Derek Adams. Despite having no previous first-team managerial experience, Johal was appointed during a turbulent period marked by relegation from the English Football League and off-field disruption.
He became the youngest manager in English professional football and the first Sikh to manage a British professional club. However, his tenure was overshadowed by poor results, including 17 league defeats, and regular post-match interviews that went viral on social media after losses.
His departure follows a five-game winless run as the club attempts to avoid dropping into regional football for the first time since 1995.
In a statement, Morecambe confirmed that the club and Johal had “mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect”.
The club praised his efforts, saying he had worked tirelessly to stabilise the squad, integrate new players and represent Morecambe with professionalism and integrity.
The board added that Johal leaves with their best wishes for the future.
Reaction among supporters was mixed but largely positive, with many welcoming the decision online. Some fans said the change was long overdue, while others joked that they would miss seeing Johal’s interviews on their social media feeds after defeats.
Several supporters described his time in charge as an “era”, noting that although results were poor, his media presence brought national attention to the club.
Morecambe confirmed that assistant manager Lee Tomlin and first-team coach Neil Wainwright will take joint interim charge while a replacement is sought.
The club said the process to appoint a new manager is already underway and promised to keep supporters informed.