Danny Simpson ends retirement to join Dubai club as player-coach alongside Shelvey and Morrison

Danny Simpson has ended his retirement to join UAE Second Division club Arabian Falcons as a player-coach, reuniting with former Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, who manages the Dubai-based side, and former Manchester United star Ravel Morrison, the club’s current captain.

Simpson, 39, announced his retirement from professional football in the summer of 2024 after a career that included five years in Manchester United’s first team, spells at Newcastle, Huddersfield, Bristol City and Macclesfield, and a Premier League title winners’ medal with Leicester City in 2016.

Explaining his decision to return, Simpson pointed to the project Shelvey is building at Arabian Falcons. “The opportunity to join Jonjo and this exciting project was one I couldn’t turn down,” he said. “I still have plenty to offer on the pitch, and I’m looking forward to helping the team achieve its ambitions. The club has a clear plan, and I want to play my part in delivering a successful promotion-winning campaign.”

Shelvey, who stepped in to manage Arabian Falcons for the final five games of last season — narrowly missing out on promotion — welcomed the signing as a statement of intent for his first full campaign in charge. “Danny is the ideal signing — a Premier League champion with vast experience, leadership, and a winning mentality,” he said. “He strengthens us immediately on the pitch and will be invaluable in helping develop the squad.”

Former Crystal Palace midfielder Jason Puncheon, a co-owner of Arabian Falcons and the club’s head of football operations, echoed that sentiment. “This signing sends a strong message about our ambition,” Puncheon said. “Jonjo has already shown what he can do in a short space of time, and with Danny arriving we are building real strength and character.”

With Simpson’s experience, Morrison’s captaincy and Shelvey’s management, Arabian Falcons are assembling a squad with clear Premier League pedigree as they target promotion from the UAE Second Division this season.