Premier League cult hero, 38, bizarrely leaves job as Ayia Napa FC manager after just TWO games

A former Premier League star has stepped down as manager of Ayia Napa FC after just TWO GAMES.

The former Crystal Palace forward, 38, was only appointed head coach of the Cypriot second tier side at the end of October.

The FA Cup finalist won both of his games in charge of Ayia Napa FCAlamy

He claimed back-to-back 1-0 wins before the international break, but has now suddenly parted ways with the side.

It brings to an end his THIRD managerial stint in just over a year – following his retirement from playing in the summer of 2023.

He departs with Ayia Napa ninth in the table.

The man that has been dismissed is Jason Puncheon.

A club statement read: “Ayia Napa Athletic Club announces the mutual agreement to terminate its partnership with coach Jason Puncheon.”

They also confirmed assistant coach Christos Tsapatsoulis has left, before adding: “The board of directors wishes both the best in their professional careers.”

Ayia Napa is a tourist resort on the southern coast of Cyprus and is famed among Brit partygoers for its thriving nightlife.

All three of Puncheon’s managerial stints have come in Cyprus – with the previous two at Peyia 2014 and AEZ Zakakiou.

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As a player, he spent the best part of a decade in England’s top flight.

He scored 24 Premier League goals and came off the bench for Palace in their 2016 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

Prior to his seven-year spell at Selhurst Park, he had stints on loan at Millwall, Blackpool and QPR while with parent club Southampton.