Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Former Leicester City Premier League winner Danny Simpson has come out of retirement to join UAE’s second-division side Arabian Falcons as a player-coach, following a path already charted by manager Jonjo Shelvey at the ambitious Dubai club.
The 39-year-old former Manchester United, Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers defender arrives just three months after making a surprise return to action in March for English 12th-tier side Stretford Paddock, where he featured in a Cheshire Association Football League after retiring from the professional game in 2024.
Since hanging up his boots, Simpson had worked as a television pundit and also appeared in influencer boxing before returning briefly to the pitch.
His move mirrors Shelvey’s own rapid transition at Arabian Falcons. The former Liverpool, Newcastle United and England midfielder joined the club as a player last September before retiring in April to become head coach after leading the team during the closing weeks of last season.
Simpson, who made 30 league appearances in Leicester City’s remarkable 2015-16 Premier League title-winning campaign under Claudio Ranieri, will combine playing duties with a coaching role as Shelvey seeks promotion in his first full season in charge.
“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.”
Shelvey believes Simpson’s experience will strengthen both the dressing room and coaching staff. “I’m really pleased to welcome Danny Simpson to Arabian Falcons,” he said. “Danny is the ideal signing — a Premier League champion with vast experience, leadership and a winning mentality.
"He strengthens us immediately on the pitch and will be invaluable in helping develop the squad. This is the start of us building a team I firmly believe can win promotion this season.”
Arabian Falcons have also retained former Manchester United midfielder Ravel Morrison for another season, while co-owner and head of football operations Jason Puncheon said Simpson’s arrival underlined the club’s ambitions.
“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 in the squad.”
The club has also launched an academy, with Shelvey, Simpson, Morrison and Puncheon expected to play leading roles in developing young footballers in the UAE.
