Ex-Liverpool and Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has retired from football to become head coach of UAE side Arabian Falcons.
The 34-year-old joined the Dubai-based club back in September in the hope of prolonging his playing career following his departure from Burnley.
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Shelvey made eight appearances for Arabian Falcons in what was his second venture abroad following a spell in the Turkish Super Lig.
However, the lure of a first stint in management has abruptly brought about the end of his playing days.
In a press release, the club say they are looking forward to Shelvey bringing his leadership, tactical acumen, and vast top-flight experience to the role.
English contingent
And there will be familiar faces working under him as he finds his feet in the dugout.
Former Premier League starlet Ravel Morrison will feature for Shelvey’s side as part of an ambitious project driven by new ownership, led by former Crystal Palace midfielder Jason Puncheon, who serves as co-owner and Head of Football Operations.
Shelvey’s first task will be clear and simple – achieve promotion to the UAE First Division this season.
Arabian Falcons currently sit third in the Second Division and the club’s ambitious owners are aiming high over the coming seasons.
In particular, club chiefs are targeting qualification for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup with 32 spots at stake for the recently-revamped tournament.
That could see Shelvey pit his wits against the best managers in world football.
The tournament is reserved primarily for top-performing clubs from the UAE Pro League (via domestic success or AFC competitions), however, the club’s owners are expecting ‘sustained growth as the foundation for future continental opportunities’.
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The statement goes on to state that Shelvey has earned the respect of his teammates across his eight appearances while lauding the midfielder’s professionalism since his arrival in the Middle East.
Furthermore, the Falcons ‘believe Shelvey’s presence and proven on-pitch leadership qualities will be the catalyst to elevate the team’s performance and secure promotion in what would be a remarkable debut managerial campaign.’
Taking inspiration
Shelvey joined eSPORTY’s Rushden and Baker after taking his new role and revealed who he is aiming to model his management off.
He explained: “I’ve taken a bit from each manager that I’ve enjoyed working under and tried to add my own stamp on it.
“I’ve had an office built in my house and I live in this office, reviewing training, preparing training.”
Shelvey then added: “The majority of my work has been from Eddie Howe, in terms of his detail and his philosophy. I really enjoyed working under him, how detailed he is and how he speaks to his players.
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“Michael Laudrup, I’ve taken from him in terms of his attacking play, and he’s quite a laid-back character around the training ground as well, so I feel like that’s a good trait to have.
“And then the motivational side, I’ve probably taken from Scott Parker. I thought he was one of the best motivational speakers I’ve ever come across.
“Which surprised me, to be fair, as he was quite a quiet player when he was playing, but when he was behind the scenes at Burnley, he was a real leader.”
Backing Howe
Shelvey then went on to speak further on Howe, who is coming under huge pressure at his former club Newcastle.
“I can see both sides of the story in terms of why the fans probably want a change,” he admitted. “But he’s won the cup, I think that deserves some credit in the back.
“For me, if I were in charge of Newcastle, I’d keep hold of him because he will turn things around and he’s a top, top manager.”
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Planning his next move
Meanwhile, Shelvey told eSPORTY in February that he had been offered his first coaching opportunity from an unnamed Turkish club.
Planning for life after football, the Charlton academy graduate was working towards his coaching badges while playing out the final years of his career.
“I do enjoy the coaching side of it,” Shelvey said when quizzed about his next steps. 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.”
Shelvey broke through as a teenager with Charlton before securing a £1.7million switch to Liverpool in 2010.
A spell at Swansea followed before a career-defining seven-year stint at Newcastle, where he helped steer the Magpies to the Championship title in 2017.
A season at Nottingham Forest preceded his time in Turkey with Burnley, his final stop in English football.
