Former Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has retired from playing and stepped into management.placeholder image
Former Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has retired from playing and stepped into management. | Arabian Falcons
Three years after leaving Newcastle United, Jonjo Shelvey has called time on his playing career and stepped into management.
Former Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has announced his retirement after taking on his first-ever managerial role.
The 34-year-old recently joined Arabian Falcons FC but after just eight appearances has stepped up to manage the United Arab Emirates Second Division side.
Shelvey spent seven years at Newcastle after arriving from Swansea City for £12million in January 2016, and went on to make over 200 appearances before leaving for Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder began his career at Charlton Athletic, where he was scouted and signed by Liverpool. Since leaving Forest, Shelvey has played for Turkish clubs Caykur Rizespor and Eyupspor, and had a very brief spell at Burnley before heading to the Middle East.
Jonjo Shelvey retires from playing to step into management
Shelvey will manage former Manchester United and West Ham United midfielder Ravel Morrison as part of an ambitious project led by Jason Puncheon, who most notably played for Southampton and Crystal Palace.
The Falcons currently sit third in the UAE Second Division table, with Shevley tasked with earning promotion to the First Division. Longer-term however, the six-capped England international has set his sights on reaching the top of management.
“I’m excited to take on this challenge and lead the Falcons forward,” Shelvey said. “We have a talented group and a clear vision to achieve promotion and build something special in Dubai.
“My ambition is to climb to the very top of management and this is the perfect project to prove myself and what I’m capable of.”
Falcons co-owner and head of operations Puncheon added: “Jonjo is the perfect fit for our project. His experience at the highest level, combined with his character and hunger, will inspire the team as we push for promotion and long-term success.”
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