Danny Simpson has come out of retirement to join Arabian Falcons as player-coach, giving Jonjo Shelvey his first major signing as manager of the Dubai club.
The 39-year-old right-back, who was part of Leicester City’s Premier League title-winning team in 2015/16, has signed for the UAE Second Division side before the new season.
Simpson made 30 league appearances in Leicester’s title campaign, when Claudio Ranieri’s side beat 5,000-1 odds to win the Premier League. He also came through Manchester United’s academy and won promotion to the top flight with Sunderland, Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers.
At Arabian Falcons, he will play and work as part of Shelvey’s coaching staff.
Shelvey took charge for the final five games of last season after joining the club as a player. The former Liverpool, Newcastle United, Swansea City and Burnley midfielder helped the Falcons make a late promotion push, though they missed out.
The 2026/27 season will be Shelvey’s first full campaign in charge. He will have Simpson alongside club captain Ravel Morrison and Jason Puncheon, the club’s co-owner and head of football operations.
“The opportunity to join Jonjo and this exciting project was one I couldn’t turn down,” Simpson 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.”
Arabian Falcons have also extended Morrison’s contract for another season. The club say further signings are expected in the coming weeks as Shelvey builds his squad for the UAE Second Division campaign.
The club have also launched an academy led by Shelvey, Simpson, Morrison and Puncheon. It is aimed at giving young players in the UAE access to experienced coaches and a route towards first-team football.
A behind-the-scenes documentary will follow the team through the new season.
