Premier League cult hero leaves Ayia Napa after just TWO games and 21 days – but he boasts 100 per cent winning record

Jason Puncheon’s managerial spell at Ayia Napa has ended after he took charge of just two matches.

The former Crystal Palace midfielder was appointed as manager of the Cypriot Second Division side on October 29.

It’s the third club Puncheon has managed in Cyprus following spells with Peyia 2014 and AEZ Zakakiou.

However, his reign at Ayia Napa has come to an abrupt and surprise end after his departure was announced on Instagram on Tuesday.

“Ayia Napa Sports Club announces the mutual consent termination of its cooperation with coach Jason Puncheon,” a statement said.

“Assistant coach Christos Tsapatsoulis also left our team. The board wishes both the best in their professional careers.”

Puncheon’s first match as Ayia Napa boss came on November 2 when they beat Achyronas-Onisilos FC 1-0 away from home.

They then defeated Doxa Katokopias by the same scoreline a week later to leave them ninth in the table after as many games played.

However, Ayia Napa will be searching for their third manager of the season, with Puncheon leaving after just 21 days.

They started the campaign with Panagiotis Spyrou but he left on October 22 and Giorgos Tsoukkas then became caretaker boss.

Puncheon arrived as their next permanent appointment but has now left with a 100 per cent record to his name.

The 38-year-old won eight of his 18 matches in charge of Peyia 2014 in a run of games from September 2023 to January.

He didn’t fare so well during his stint with AEZ Zakakiou though as he failed to win any of his seven matches in charge, losing five of them.

Puncheon’s spell at Ayia Napa marked a significant improvement but he will be in search of a new club following Tuesday’s news.

His managerial endeavours have followed a playing career in which he mostly featured for Palace, scoring 16 goals in 129 appearances.

The midfielder was part of their side that reached the FA Cup final in 2016 where he scored the opening goal before they were beaten 2-1 after extra time by Manchester United.

Puncheon also featured for clubs including Wimbledon, Plymouth Argyle and Southampton before announcing his retirement in 2023.

However, he is on the books at Cypriot club Kissos FC Kissonergas and played in a friendly match for them in September.