Premier League cult hero becomes manager of club based in popular party town Ayia Napa
Former Crystal Palace winger Jason Puncheon has taken the next step in his managerial career, albeit in a popular holiday destination.
Awl He went from player to coach in July 2023, when he took over at Cypriot side Peyia in 2014.
Puncheon then moved to another Cyprus-based club, AEZ Zakakiou, in February this year, but his spell lasted just seven games in charge.
The 38-year-old has signed a contract until May 2025 with Cypriot second division side Ayia Napa FC.
Ayia Napa is renowned as a hotspot for young Brits looking to relax and let their hair down, and the island has several attractive nightclubs and bars.
Those same revelers could now fit a game of soccer into their vacation itinerary between throwing cheap shots on a night out and wild pool parties.
But it will be up to Puncheon to get his new team playing a style of football that makes Ayia Napa FC matches worth the price of admission.
The club, founded in July 1990, finished eighth among 16 teams in the Cypriot second division last season.
However, Ayia Napa FC have only won once in six matches in the 2024/25 campaign and are ranked 14th.
As for Puncheon's managerial credentials, his time at Peyia lasted 18 games in which he won eight, drew three and lost seven.
The 38-year-old's spell at AEZ Zakakiou was less successful, as he failed to win any of the seven games he was in charge and was sacked after just 26 days in charge.
Puncheon first moved to Cyprus during his playing days when he joined Pafos from huddersfield town in 2019.
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He spent three seasons at Pafos before moving to Anorthosis in July 2022.
Before his Mediterranean adventure, Puncheon carved out a career as a reliable midfielder and winger in the top four tiers of English football.
Puncheon is most recognized for his time at Palace, where he made almost 170 appearances in all competitions and scored 16 goals.
He began his playing career in Wimbledonwhich later became MK Dons when they moved in 2004.
Puncheon then enjoyed a two-year spell at Barnet before switching to Plymouth Argyle in 2008.
The 38-year-old had several loan bans across England before temporarily moving to Selhurst Park in 2013, with the move made permanent in January 2014.
