Morecambe part company with manager Johal

Morecambe have announced the departure of manager Ashvir Singh Johal by mutual consent, with the team sitting second from bottom in the National League.

The Shrimps won just five out of 28 league games under Johal and are five points adrift of the safety line with 18 games remaining.

Johal took charge following Panjab Warriors' takeover last August, becoming the first Sikh to manage a British professional team.

His appointment came after a chaotic period which saw them relegated from the English Football League, while off-field issues plagued their pre-season and led to their suspension from the National League.

"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," Morecambe said in a club statement.

"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 charge while Morecambe begin the process of finding a new manager.

Having swiftly assembled a squad to contest the 2025-26 season, Morecambe battled to a 2-1 win at home to Altrincham to kick their campaign off.

Since then they have been on the receiving end of 17 league defeats and Johal's departure 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.