National League strugglers Morecambe have today parted ways with manager Ashvir Singh Johal after a torrid tenure has left the club sat 23rd in the division with 60 goals conceded.
Despite undergoing a several off-field issues at the start of the campaign, fans have been particularly critical of the team’s performances, given the money invested into the playing squad following Panjab Warriors’ takeover in mid-August.
The club’s next appointment will be pivotal in ensuring the club does not succumb to a second successive relegation, and this article will explore the most suitable options for that task.
Derek Adams – Unattached
We knew this link would happen.
Derek Adams needs no introduction to Morecambe fans and would be more than welcome back to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.
The manager was largely impressive in both spells with the club. Delivering an unlikely promotion via the League Two play-offs in the 2020-21 campaign, and giving the club a fighting chance of survival last season amid a turbulent time off the pitch.
Questions linger as to whether the coach would actually accept a job offer, and whether the owners would even approach Adams after he was controversially dismissed by the ownership upon their takeover in August.
However, given the current situation at the club, any potential return for Adams would reunite a fractured fanbase in a time of uncertainty, instilling a positivity the club has hardly experienced over recent years.
Jim Bentley – Unattached
Continuing the theme of former Morecambe managers, Jim Bentley is another familiar face amongst the Shrimps faithful.
Bentley spent eight years with the club between 2011 and 2019, consistently delivering survival in League Two on a modest budget, before resigning to join AFC Fylde in October 2019.
Out of work since his departure from Southport, this suggestion is another that could be well-received amongst Shrimps fans, given the uncertainty the club is currently experiencing.
A survival specialist with the club in the past, Bentley could give the team a fighting chance in the latter half of the season. However, the club could definitely aspire for more.
Darrell Clarke – Unattached
Perhaps ambitious, but Morecambe do have a relatively competitive budget despite their low league position.
Darrell Clarke has proven himself from the National League all the way up to League One, and has been out of work since his dismissal from Bristol Rovers last December.
A proven operator, Clarke often adopts an adaptable, pragmatic approach for clubs and has shown himself able to turn a club around amid relegation danger during his time at Cheltenham Town.
The 48-year-old would be a great coup for any club in the National League, and would be more than suitable for the Shrimps’ current situation.
Pete Wild – Unattached
Controversially dismissed by Fleetwood Town recently, Pete Wild would be a huge statement for a side in League Two, let alone the bottom of the National League.
Having experienced the division first-hand and impressing with Halifax Town, Wild turned League Two side Barrow from a side struggling at the bottom of the division to play-off challengers with a notably frustrating identity in their playstyle.
Wild’s teams are hard-working and resolute, and he would be more than capable of improving the current defensive struggles Morecambe are having.
While his time at Fleetwood was not helped by first-team injuries and the loss of Ryan Graydon, many still do not doubt the 41-year-old as a coach.
Additionally, the manager has always stayed around the North West of England, giving the Lancashire club a geographical advantage should they approach the currently out-of-work head coach.
Phil Parkinson – Unattached
Phil Parkinson was very impressive at Altrincham for a number of years, earning plaudits for his exciting, progressive brand of football and being linked to numerous EFL jobs over the years.
Dismissed in October 2025, it is a surprise that the coach has been out of work since. There is a geographical advantage for Morecambe should they approach Parkinson, and he could perhaps be convinced by the resources they have available.
The 45-year-old is respected throughout the division and would be a great appointment for any club at this level.
A progressive coach, he would be fantastic for the future of the club even if they succumb to relegation. However, given the club’s current state, it would take a lot of convincing around the current stability and structure of the club, which has lacked over the years.