Troy Deeney and Gabby Agbonlahor Exposed: Fans Urge Young Stars to Choose Newcastle United
High-profile ex-players like Gabby Agbonlahor and Troy Deeney have used Newcastle United’s location as a reason for their failures in the transfer market.
Jonjo Shelvey has told potential signings that joining Newcastle United is a “no-brainer” and to ignore outside myths.
The 33-year-old spent seven years at St James’ Park before leaving the club in 2023. Shelvey helped Newcastle achieve an immediate promotion before re-establishing themselves as a Premier League side under Rafa Benitez and Steve Bruce.
A move became inevitable once the Saudi Arabian riches flooded into Tyneside but Shelvey enjoyed an iconic moment of his own during the post-takeover period. His free-kick against Leeds United in January 2022 marked the turning point of Eddie Howe’s reign as Newcastle went on to secure top-flight survival comfortably.
Jonjo Shelvey dispels London myth
Shelvey now plays in Dubai for the Arabian Falcons, having signed a short-term deal last month. His career is winding down but he maintains an arm’s length interest in the Premier League.
Speaking to the BBC, the former Toon favourite sent a strong message to potential signings considering a move to St James’ Park. Critics have argued Newcastle’s geographical location – rather than PSR issues – affects their ability to attract talent.
However, as a Romford native, Shelvey believes the Magpies have the upper hand over London and Manchester clubs. He said: “There’s this debate about whether Newcastle are able to attract the big players compared to the Manchester clubs and the London clubs but, until you go there, you don’t understand what it does to you.
“There are loads of things to do. I don’t care what anyone says. If players are going to listen to this, it’s a no-brainer to go there and play football. You will not find love at a football club like I found at Newcastle, with how they take to their players and how much they back you.
“I’ve only got good things to say about my time at Newcastle. I loved it. Even when I first got the call about going there, I drove 12 hours from Swansea because of the traffic.
“I just wanted to get up there, get my medical done and get signed. I had experienced playing against Newcastle at St James’ Park and you get a real buzz, but you never understand how big the club is until you are there.”
‘UK not the same’ – Jonjo Shelvey
The midfielder also revealed safety as another key reason behind ditching the UK for Dubai. Shelvey added: “I’ve had my time. I’m happy and content. I’m just at the stage now where I want to enjoy football. It’s about waking up, enjoying what I do and spending time with my family.
“If I’m honest, I don’t want my children growing up in England any more. We’re very lucky that we lived in a nice part of the UK but where I’m from, originally, you can’t have nice things in my opinion.
“I’d never wear a watch in London anymore. You can’t have your phone out in London, in my view. I’m not massive on reading politics,” Shelvey said. “I just see some of the things that go on. I see people getting arrested for tweeting and, then, all of the flags and ‘taking back the country’.
“I’m not going to sit here and comment on things like that because I’m not clever enough to, and I’ll get myself into trouble if I carry on, but I just feel that the UK isn’t what it was 10 to 15 years ago.”
Eddie Howe on losing Jonjo Shelvey
Following his exit, Eddie Howe admitted he never wanted to lose Shelvey. He told reporters: “It was a risk but it wasn’t a decision I wanted to take.
“It was 99.9 per cent out of my hands that Jonjo was going to leave. We sort of feel a bit of a hole has been left with his presence gone, but it’s happened and now we have to make the best of the situation.”
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