Former Premier League midfielder Jason Puncheon has been appointed as the new manager of Akritas Chlorakas, just two days after parting ways with Ayia Napa.
Puncheon’s unexpected departure from Ayia Napa, where he had only been in charge for 21 days, was announced on Tuesday.
The 38-year-old joined Ayia Napa on October 29 and managed two 1-0 wins, lifting the club from third bottom to ninth in the Cypriot second division.
Despite the early success, Puncheon reportedly bought out his contract to take up the role at Akritas, which also competes in the second tier and currently sit one point above Ayia Napa.
In a statement, Akritas Chlorakas highlighted Puncheon’s experience in top-flight football and expressed confidence in his leadership. This will be Puncheon’s fourth managerial position in Cyprus, following previous stints at Peyia 2014, AEZ Zakakiou, and Ayia Napa.
Ayia Napa acknowledged the termination of Puncheon’s contract as a mutual agreement and also announced the departure of assistant coach Christos Tsapatsoulis. The club now faces the task of appointing their third manager of the season.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Puncheon explained his decision to move to Cyprus in 2019 as his playing career was winding down.
“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, adding that the move was also a step towards coaching.
“The reality is I’m not Steven Gerrard or Wayne Rooney,” Puncheon said.
“Maybe Crystal Palace would have said to me at the end of my 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 was always the end goal.”
Puncheon, who retired from playing in 2023, enjoyed a notable career in the Premier League, particularly at Crystal Palace, where he scored 16 goals in 169 appearances. His first match in charge of Akritas will be against Achyronas-Onisilos on Saturday.
