It is three years since Jonjo Shelvey left Newcastle United.
The midfielder was a surprise departure in January 2023, leaving Newcastle United to join Nottingham Forest.
At the time, the Magpies were on the brink of the Carabao Cup final and attempting to qualify for the Champions League. Eddie Howe was working wonders at St James’ Park, while he was a big fan of Jonjo Shelvey.
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That is why it came as such a shock to see the midfielder leave. However, he was given more security by Nottingham Forest, who offered him a two-and-a-half year deal at the City Ground.
That made it an easy decision for Shelvey, but his immediate desire was to stay at Newcastle United and sign a new contract. However, that was not possible because of one man.
Dan Ashworth’s decision resulted in Jonjo Shelvey leaving Newcastle United
The person in question is Dan Ashworth, who was the Newcastle United sporting director at the time.
Speaking on the Under The Cosh podcast, Shelvey revealed that he asked Howe for a new deal to stay at Newcastle rather than join Forest, but he was told the decision was down to Ashworth.
“I went to see Eddie and said Nottingham Forest are offering me this,” he said via YouTube.
“They’re offering me a two-and-a-half year deal on the same money that I was on at Newcastle. He said I can’t give you those assurances that we can offer you the same.
“I said I don’t want what they’re offering me. I just want to stay, be in the building, stay in the area. My family are settled here. I just want another year, as I was coming towards the end of my contract.
“He said you’re going to have to see Dan Ashworth, I can’t make that call, it’s down to Dan Ashworth.
“I went to see Dan Ashworth and he said no.”
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Shelvey’s move to Nottingham Forest did not go to plan. He made just eight appearances before a fallout with Steve Cooper, then left the club after just eight months.
The midfielder then took his career to Turkey, where he played for Caykur Rizespor and Eyupspor.
In January 2025, Shelvey returned to England to sign a short-term deal with Burnley. He made four appearances for Scott Parker’s side, as they won promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.
Shelvey, now 33, moved to the UAE Second Division in September 2025, joining Dubai-based club Arabian Falcons.
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