Arabian Falcons have made a real statement ahead of the 2026/27 season, announcing the signing of former Premier League winner Danny Simpson as player-coach in what feels like another significant step forward for the ambitious Dubai-based club.
The 39-year-old arrives with a wealth of experience, having enjoyed an impressive career that included Premier League promotion with Sunderland, Newcastle United and QPR, before playing a key role in Leicester City’s unforgettable Premier League title-winning campaign in 2016.
His arrival is about much more than adding another recognisable name to the squad. Simpson brings leadership, experience and a winning mentality, qualities that Arabian Falcons hope will prove invaluable as they continue their push for promotion to the UAE First Division.
Manager Jonjo Shelvey is quietly shaping an exciting project.
After taking charge for the final five matches of last season and narrowly missing out on promotion, Shelvey now has his first full campaign to build a squad in his own image. One clear theme is already emerging – surrounding the club with players who understand what it takes to compete at the highest level.
With club captain Ravel Morrison committing for another season and former Premier League midfielder Jason Puncheon helping drive the club’s football operations, Arabian Falcons have assembled an experienced leadership group capable of guiding both the first team and the club’s exciting new academy.
Speaking after completing the move, Simpson said ‘’The opportunity to join Jonjo and this exciting project was one I couldn’t turn down. I still have plenty to offer on the pitch, and I’m looking forward to helping the team achieve its ambitions.”
Shelvey believes the signing reflects exactly what the club is trying to build. ‘’I’m really pleased to welcome Danny Simpson to Arabian Falcons. Danny is the ideal signing, a Premier League champion with vast experience, leadership and a winning mentality. This is the start of us building a team I firmly believe can win promotion this season.”
There is a genuine feeling that something is growing at Arabian Falcons.
The foundations are being laid, experienced professionals are buying into the vision, and with further additions expected over the coming weeks, the club appears determined to turn last season’s near miss into a successful promotion campaign.
