Morecambe seek their third manager in less than a year
Morecambe are on the lookout for a new manager after it was announced that Ashvir Singh Johal had departed the club.
Johal’s exit was announced on Friday lunchtime, with a club statement saying the move was ‘mutually agreed’.
Having spoken about building for the future when he took charge, the present-day position saw Morecambe second-bottom of the National League and facing a third relegation in four seasons.
That also saw the 1920 Union fans’ group call on supporters to boycott home matches until there was a change of manager.
Johal oversaw six wins from 32 matches in all competitions, as well as FA Cup and Trophy defeats to teams from National League North.
Assistant manager Lee Tomlin and first-team coach Neil Wainwright will now take joint charge of the Shrimps, who are next in action at Altrincham on Tuesday.
Whoever replaces Johal must close a five-point gap to fifth-bottom Aldershot Town with 18 games of the season remaining.
The club said: “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.”
Johal was named as Derek Adams’ replacement at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium following Panjab Warriors’ summer buyout.
When unveiled as manager, he spoke about trying to make sure everyone associated with the club ‘can enjoy every single minute of being a Morecambe supporter’.
Instead, it all went downhill after a hastily-assembled squad kicked off their delayed National League season with victory in the opening game against Altrincham.
Morecambe paid the price for deficiencies at both ends of the pitch as, despite scoring eight goals in back-to-back matches with Solihull Moors and Wealdstone in September, they struggled to convert their chances.
At the back, they shipped 32 goals in the opening 10 games of the season with five conceded in consecutive matches with Truro City and Gateshead: the latter seeing Morecambe 4-0 down after 12 minutes.
Thirty-seven players were also used as Johal – unsuccessfully – sought a solution to the Shrimps’ troubles.