Ex-Crystal Palace winger Jason Puncheon has taken the next step in his management career, albeit in a popular holiday destination.
Puncheon transitioned from player to coach in July 2023 when he took over at Cypriot side Peyia 2014.
Puncheon then moved to another Cyprus-based club AEZ Zakakiou in February this year but his stint lasted just seven games in charge.
The 38-year-old has now signed a deal until May 2025 with Cypriot second division team Ayia Napa FC.
Ayia Napa is renowned as a hotspot for young British people looking to unwind and let their hair down, with the island boasting several enticing nightclubs and bars.
Those same revellers could now squeeze a football match into their holiday itinerary between throwing back cheap shots on a night out and wild pool parties.
But it’ll be up to Puncheon to get his new team playing a style of football that makes Ayia Napa FC games worth the price of admission.
The club, founded in July 1990, finished eighth out of 16 teams in the Cypriot second division last season.
However, Ayia Napa FC has won just once from six matches in the 2024/25 campaign and sit 14th.
As for Puncheon’s managerial credentials, his stint with Peyia lasted 18 games in which he won eight games, drew three and lost seven.
The 38-year-old’s time at AEZ Zakakiou was less successful as he failed to win any of the seven fixtures he was in charge for 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 switching to Anorthosis in July 2022.
Prior to his Mediterranean adventure, Puncheon carved out a career as a dependable midfielder and winger across the top four tiers of English football.
Puncheon is most recognised for his stint with Palace, where he made nearly 170 appearances in all competitions and scored 16 goals.
He began his playing career at Wimbledon, which later became MK Dons when they relocated in 2004.
Puncheon then enjoyed a two-year spell at Barnet prior to a switch to Plymouth Argyle in 2008.
The 38-year-old had several loan stops across England before he temporarily moved to Selhurst Park in 2013, with the move made permanent in January 2014.
