Whoever already plays a role in increasing Sikh visibility, is, the first turban referee Journal Singh, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Asian Football Awards in 2012.
Singh said in response to Johal’s recruitment, “For the South Asian community and especially for the Sikh community, I think it is absolutely luxurious where we have actually broken the glass roof in terms of going into management.”
“When most of the Asians walk along the road, you cannot say 100% that they are Sikhs. But wearing a patka and turban, this is a sign and saying to everyone, ‘Yes, I am a proud Sikh. I can do my best wishes from myself, family and Sikh community.
“It just drives everyone to know that a Sikh has reached the summit as a manager, and he will be a great role model for everyone and will say ‘let the color of your skin or your religion go or how you look like what you want to do, what you want to do.”
Johal may not have determined to break the obstacles, but his appointment determines an example for Sikhs, South Asian and other underpared groups in British football that they can play an important role.
“At the moment, Ash has got a job to do,” his father Kulwinder said. “He has not gone out to deliberately to become a role model. He is chasing his dream to become a coach.
“It is another milestone in a career that started at the age of 15, 16 years. He is determined to reach where he wants. It is also his flexibility, his focus is also.
“Ash is a very intellectual person. He could have been anything in this world and he must have made it successful. He chose coaching. And I think in a few years he will be at the peak of the time where he wants to be.
“If the way he is to be a role model for other people of the community, if it allows others to pursue their dreams, it can only be a good thing for the UK.”
