Mumbai City FC appoint Ashvir Singh Johal as head coach

Mumbai City FC have appointed Ashvir Singh Johal as head coach for the remainder of the 2026-27 season. The former Morecambe manager brings experience from English and Italian football, along with a UEFA Pro Licence and a background in player development

Hyderabad: Mumbai City FC announced on Saturday the appointment of Ashvir Singh Johal as the Club’s new Head Coach for the remainder of the 2026–27 season.

Born in Leicester, England, Johal began his footballing journey as both a player and coach at his local non-league club, Guru Nanak Gurdwara FC. He subsequently joined Leicester City’s academy, where he spent ten years coaching across the youth development system, working with players up to the Under-18 level.

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In the 2022–23 season, Johal moved into senior first-team coaching as Assistant Coach to Kolo Touré at Wigan Athletic, gaining experience in the English Championship. He then joined Como in Italy, where he worked as Assistant Coach to Cesc Fabregas with the club’s Primavera setup during the 2023–24 season.

Johal subsequently took charge of Notts County’s B team between 2024 and 2025, before being appointed Head Coach of Morecambe FC in 2025. At Morecambe, he became the youngest Head Coach in the top five divisions of English football. He holds the UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification awarded by UEFA.

Across his coaching career, Johal has worked in different footballing environments, with a particular emphasis on player development, coaching methodology and creating pathways for young players to progress into senior football. His experience across academy football, first-team coaching and senior management has shaped his approach to the game and his emphasis on modern coaching principles, tactical organisation and player development.

Sujay Sharma, Director of Football, Mumbai City FC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ashvir to Mumbai City FC. This is an important appointment for the Club, and one that follows a considered process in which we evaluated a number of candidates against the footballing direction and requirements of Mumbai City.

“Over the years, Mumbai City has established a distinct identity, built around an attractive, progressive and competitive brand of football. We were looking for a coach who understands that identity, shares our footballing philosophy and can take the team forward while maintaining the standards and ambitions associated with this Club.

Ashvir Singh Johal, new Head Coach, Mumbai City FC, said: “I am delighted to join Mumbai City FC and take on the responsibility of leading the Club. Mumbai City has established a strong identity and a clear footballing philosophy, and the alignment between that vision and my own approach to the game was an important factor in my decision.

“I look forward to working closely with the players, coaching staff and everyone at the Club. We have a talented squad, and my immediate focus will be on building a strong collective, establishing the right standards and preparing the team to compete in every match.

“I understand the expectations that come with representing Mumbai City, and I am excited by the opportunity and the responsibility ahead. I look forward to getting started and connecting with our supporters.”

Johal will arrive in India and join the Islanders shortly.