Ex-England international Shelvey named Arabian Falcons FC manager

Arabian Falcons FC

Former England midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has retired from playing and will take over as manager of third-tier United Arab Emirates side Arabian Falcons FC.

The 34-year-old had been playing for the Dubai club since September, alongside ex-Manchester United midfielder Ravel Morrison, with former Crystal Palace midfielder Jason Puncheon the co-owner and head of football operations.

Shelvey's old Arsenal youth academy teammate Harry Agombar, 33, was manager until recently being asked to take on the role of sporting director.

A documentary will now follow Shelvey trying to lead Arabian Falcons - founded in 2023 initially for young African footballers to help grow their football careers and help them to reach European leagues - to promotion to the second tier in the final five games of the season.

He said: "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.

"I’m excited to take on this challenge and lead the Falcons forward. We have a talented group and a clear vision to achieve promotion and build something special in Dubai."

Shelvey started his playing career at Charlton Athletic and played in the top flight for Liverpool, Swansea, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.

He also featured for Blackpool, on loan, Turkish sides Caykur Rizespor and Eyupspor and briefly Burnley before moving to the UAE.

 

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