Morecambe appoint youngest boss in top five leagues after dramatic rescue and manager axe

Morecambe have new owners and a new manager in Ashvir Singh Johal following an eventful 48-hour period which saw Panjab Warriors rescue the club from extinction before opting to part company with their previous boss, Derek Adams.

The Shrimps, who were relegated out of the EFL last season, have faced months of uncertainty over their long-term future and were suspended from the National League last month due to concerns over the club's ability to meet their financial obligations under their previous owner, Jason Whittingham.

Panjab Warriors have been trying to finalise a takeover of the club for months after receiving approval from the EFL back in June. It was not until Sunday evening, though, that Morecambe fans finally had confirmation that a deal had been concluded and signed off.

The following day, Morecambe's new owners made their first significant move since taking ownership of the club by taking the decision to sack Adams. And, on Tuesday morning, they followed that up by swiftly unveiling Johal as the Scot's successor.

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Three Man Utd deals stall, Liverpool's Guehi issue, Eze to Spurs latest

READ MORE: Ex-EFL club reveal they are just days from extinction as shocking statement details full crisis

At 30 years of age, Joval is the youngest manager in the top five divisions of the English football pyramid. He also becomes the first Sikh to take charge of a professional British football club.

Joval has never managed at senior level but does boast an impressive CV: he became one of the youngest coaches in the history of English football to gain his Uefa Pro Licence earlier this summer and has also worked under Cesc Fabregas as an assistant youth coach at Como. Joval also has EFL experience after featuring in Kolo Toure's coaching staff during a brief period at Wigan Athletic.

The decision to part company with Adams, 50, on Monday has widely been condemned among the Morecambe fanbase online. Although it is not uncommon for such decisions to be made following takeovers, Adams has been commended for the manner in which he has held court during a turbulent period for the club. He has managed the Shrimps on two previous occasions, the first of which culminated in him leading the club to the third tier of English football for the first time in their history.

The club thanked Adams for his "leadership and steadiness" during a "testing chapter" in a statement. The club's new owners added: "His return instilled direction and purpose, helping guide Morecambe into League One for the first time in their history and stabilised the team under immense pressure.

"As the club enters a new era, a strategic transition in leadership has been made with respect and appreciation for Derek's services."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.