According to major media reports, Shelvey will take charge of the UAE Second Division club, which currently sits third in the league. The team harbours ambitions of promotion to the top flight this season, with broader goals targeting back-to-back promotions to put themselves in genuine contention for the 2029 Club World Cup. Shelvey expressed his enthusiasm in a press release, stating he is excited to take on the challenge and lead the Falcons forward with a talented group and clear vision to achieve promotion and build something special in Dubai. He added that his ambition is to climb to the very top of management and this is the perfect project to prove himself. The exact timeline for these promotion ambitions has not been specified.
Key figures at Arabian Falcons include Jason Puncheon, who serves as co-owner and head of football operations. Puncheon is a former Crystal Palace and Southampton winger, and the club recently underwent a change of ownership, though the reasons behind this change and the identities of the new owners remain unclear. In a press release, Puncheon said Jonjo is the perfect fit for their project, with his experience at the highest level, combined with his character and hunger, set to inspire the team as they push for promotion and long-term success.
Congratulations on an amazing playing career, Jonjo! We wish you all the best in the future.
A notable player connection in Shelvey's new role is Ravel Morrison, a former Manchester United wonderkid whom Shelvey will coach. Morrison played for Östersunds FK in spring 2019, making six Allsvenskan appearances, according to other sources. The specific terms or duration of Shelvey's managerial contract with Arabian Falcons have not been disclosed.
Shelvey's move follows his relocation to the UAE in 2025, as reported by major media. His career background includes 278 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, Swansea City, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, and Burnley, and he earned six England caps between 2012 and 2015, according to major media. According to Daily Express - Sport, Shelvey described his decision to move, saying he did not want his children growing up in England anymore, though the exact factors leading to this disillusionment are unknown.
Reaction from Shelvey's former club Newcastle United came in an official statement: "Congratulations on an amazing playing career, Jonjo! We wish you all the best in the future." The exact date of Shelvey's retirement announcement has not been confirmed.