- Newcastle United wish former player well
- Ex Liverpool and Charlton Athletic man hangs up boots
- Takes new managerial role in UAE
Ex Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has announced his retirement from football to become the head coach at UAE club Arabian Falcons.
The 34-year-old spent seven years on Tyneside between 2016 and 2023 and was a prominent figure in the club’s rise back to the Premier League from the Championship, as well as the Saudi takeover.
Shelvey left St James’ Park to join Nottingham Forest in 2023 but only enjoyed a short period at the City Ground before stints at Caykur Rizespor, Eyupspor, Burnley and, most recently, Arabian Falcons in the UAE.
Shelvey joined the Falcons as a player in September in the hopes of prolonging his career, having left Burnley at the end of their Championship campaign. The Charlton Athletic academy graduate only made eight appearances for the side before announcing his retirement this week.
Jonjo Shelvey takes managerial role in UAE
In a press release, relayed by talkSPORT, Falcons express that they hope Shelvey will bring ‘leadership, tactical acumen and vast top-flight experience’ to the role.
The former England international will have ex West Ham and Manchester United man Ravel Morrison working under him in a project that is led by former Crystal Palace winger Jason Puncheon, who works as co-owner and Head of Football Operations.
Falcons are targeting promotion to the UAE First Division this season and currently sit third in the second tier. The club hopes to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup by 2029 with 32 spots now up for grabs.
Newcastle United statement as Shelvey retires
Newcastle United have today released a statement honouring the player’s impact on Tyneside during his stint in the North East. The club wrote: “Former Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, who spent seven years with the Magpies, has announced his retirement.
“The 34-year-old has called time on a professional playing career spanning 18 years and will now take over as manager of third-tier United Arab Emirates side Arabian Falcons, whom he initially joined as a player in September 2025.
“Capped six times by England at senior level, Shelvey joined Newcastle United from Swansea City in January 2016 and carried out an impressive Magpies debut, playing his part in both goals during a 2-1 win against West Ham United in the 2015/16 campaign.
“Despite suffering relegation from the Premier League, Shelvey played a pivotal role in United’s immediate return to the English top-flight the following season, providing nine assists as Rafa Benítez’s men lifted the Championship title, finishing above Brighton & Hove Albion by a single point. Shelvey made 144 Premier League outings for the Magpies, scoring 11 goals.
“His most important strike, arguably, came during Newcastle’s 1-0 away win at Leeds United in the 2021/22 season, netting a late free-kick at Elland Road as United went on to secure their status in the English top-flight despite failing to win in their opening 14 matches.
“Everyone at Newcastle United would like to congratulate Jonjo on a magnificent playing career and wish him every success for the future.”
Shelvey had been candid about previous coaching roles offered to him when speaking to talkSPORT in February. The midfielder said that he had been approached by an unnamed Turkish club in recent months.
He said: “I do enjoy the coaching side of it. I’ve actually had an offer from a club in Turkey to come in and be an assistant manager.
“I’m just unsure of that at the moment because my family are here and settled, and I don’t know whether I’m still a bit too young. But it’s something that interests me and I love learning the game, love watching the game and if there’s one on the telly, even if it’s the Azerbaijan third league, I’ll sit and watch it and try and analyse it.”
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