Premier League cult hero makes BIZARRE return to management – two days after leaving his previous role following two games in charge

A Premier League cult hero has made a swift return to management – two days after he left his previous role in shock fashion.

The former midfielder, 38, only took charge of the second tier Cypriot side Ayia Napa on October 29.

He oversaw two 1-0 victories during his short tenure before his departure was announced on Tuesday after 21 days with the club.

The abrupt exit of the former top flight star raised eyebrows, but the reasons have become clearer now he has secured a new job.

The figure, who is former Southampton, Millwall and Crystal Palace midfielder Jason Puncheon, has been appointed by Akritas Chlorakas as their new manager. 

Akritas also play in the Cypriot second tier and sit one point and one place above Ayia Napa.

Jason Puncheon exited Cypriot second tier side Ayia Napa after only two games on Tuesday

But, he has jumped straight back into coaching, taking over league rivals Akritas Chlorakas

In a statement announcing his arrival, the club said: ‘We are excited to officially welcome Jason Puncheon as the new head coach of Akritas Chlorakas.

‘With his extensive experience as a player in top leagues and his leadership qualities, we are confident that he will bring fresh ideas, determination, and a winning mentality to our team.

‘Jason has shown his passion for football throughout his career, and we are thrilled to have him bring that same energy to Akritas Chlorakas. 

‘Together, we are ready to face the challenges ahead, work hard, and achieve great things.

‘Let’s give Jason a warm welcome to the Akritas family and show our support as he begins this new journey with us. Here’s to a successful and exciting chapter for Akritas Chlorakas.’

The new role will be the fourth managerial job of Puncheon’s career and comes after his exit from Ayia Napa was announced two days ago, with reports in Cyprus claiming the 38-year-old had bought out his contract to make the move.

In a statement posted on Instagram on Tuesday, Ayia Napa – who are based in the famous party resort – had said:  ‘Ayia Napa Sports Club announces the mutual consent termination of its cooperation with coach Jason Puncheon.

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

Puncheon will manage his fourth different club in Cyprus after ending his playing career there

Puncheon was best known for his time at Palace and won both his games with Ayia Napa

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.

The back-to-back victories saw Puncheon’s former 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.   

Puncheon’s arrival at Akritas meaning he has now coached four clubs in Cyprus after also ending 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.

Puncheon previously urged others players to move abroad to gain opportunities in coaching, while crediting his former boss Alan Pardew with inspiring him to become a manager

Puncheon (second left) also played for the likes of Southampton, Huddersfield and MK Dons

‘It was route into coaching for me because the reality is I’m not Steven Gerrard or Wayne Rooney.

‘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 and kicks of his Akritas tenure with a trip to Achyronas-Onisilos on Saturday.