Premier League cult hero, 38, appointed manager of Ayia Napa FC in shock career move

PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Jason Puncheon has made a shock move into management with second-tier Cypriot side Ayia Napa FC.

The former Crystal Palace forward spent the best part of a decade in England's top flight.

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

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

And after his time at Palace came to an end, he moved to Cyprus for the final four years of his professional career.

Now he has taken to management with second division side Ayia Napa - having previously coached Peyia 2014 and AEZ Zakakiou.

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A club statement read: "Agia Napa Athletic Club announces the start of its partnership with coach Jason Puncheon.

"Jason has previously been the coach of the PEGEIA team and also of Sa Zakakiou. The agreement with him is until May 2025.

"A member of the technical team will also be Christos Tsapatsoulis, who will be the direct partner of our new technician.

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"The board of directors wishes both of them every success with our team."

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