- The 38-year-old was appointed as Ayia Napa’s new manager on October 29
- The former Crystal Palace star has left his role after just two games and 21 days
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A Premier League cult hero has left his role as manager of Ayia Napa after just two games.
The former midfielder, 38, only took charge of the second tier Cypriot side on October 29.
He oversaw two 1-0 victories during his short tenure before his shock departure was announced on Tuesday following 21 days in the role.
‘Ayia Napa Sports Club announces the mutual consent termination of its cooperation with coach Jason Puncheon,’ the club – who are based in the famous party resort – said in a statement on Instagram.
‘Assistant coach Christos Tsapatsoulis also left our team. The board wishes both the best in their professional careers.’
Puncheon’s first match with Ayia Napa saw them beat Achyronas-Onisilos 1-0 away from home, before they defeated Doxa Katokopias by the same scoreline a week later.
A Premier League cult hero has left his role as manager of Ayia Napa after just two games
Jason Puncheon’s shock departure was announced by the club in a statement on Tuesday
Puncheon was best known for his time at Palace and won both his games with the Cypriot club
The back-to-back victories saw Puncheon’s side rise from third bottom in the 16-team table up to ninth, with Ayia Napa having previously won just one of their six league games before the 38-year-old’s arrival.
The reasons for his departure are unknown, with Puncheon’s exit meaning he has now coached three clubs in Cyprus having also ended his playing career in the country.
Puncheon’s first managerial stint saw him win eight of his 18 games in charge of Peyia 2014, although he spent only six months in the role.
Puncheon then lasted less than a month at AEZ Zakakiou between February and March 2024, failing to win any of his seven matches at the helm.
Speaking to Mail Sport earlier this year, Puncheon revealed why he opted to move to Cyprus as his playing career came to a close in 2019.
‘I had Championship options but Cyprus gave me a chance to play for a team that was fighting for something and having a good life with my family. It was an option I wanted to take,’ he said.
‘Footballers should look at these opportunities and take them more than we turn them down because there’s so much to learn.
‘It was route into coaching for me because the reality is I’m not Steven Gerrard or Wayne Rooney.
Puncheon has managed three different clubs in Cyprus after ending his playing career there
Puncheon has urged others players to move abroad to gain opportunities in coaching, while crediting his former manager Alan Pardew with inspiring him to become a manager
Puncheon (second left) also played for the likes of Southampton, Huddersfield and MK Dons
‘Maybe Crystal Palace would have said to me at the end of playing career “come and take the U15s”.
‘But I thought if I go to Cyprus and make a name for myself it may be easier for me to step into coaching which as always the end goal.
‘Whereas in England, once I retired I would maybe be waiting forever.’
After completing his UEFA A and B badges alongside Juan Pablo Angel, Djimi Traore and Carlton Cole – Puncheon put his decision to move into coaching down to former Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew.
The 38-year-old – who retired from playing in 2023 – spent nine seasons in the Premier League and enjoyed his most productive spell with Palace, netting 16 goals and adding 21 assists in 169 matches for the Eagles.
Arguably his most memorable contribution to the south London outfit was his opening goal in their 2016 FA Cup final defeat by Manchester United.
Puncheon also had spells with the likes of Huddersfield, Southampton, Plymouth, Barnet and MK Dons as well as three clubs in Cyprus.
His abrupt departure from his most recent role means Ayia Napa are left searching for their third manager of the season.
In total, Puncheon has won 10 of his 27 games in the dugout.
