- A former Premier League star has taken on a new surprise role in management
- He is remembered for urgently leaving the pitch mid-match to go to the toilet
- Arsenal fans have gone from over-celebrating to overreacting… their team HAVE to back up Liverpool win – It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Cypriot outfit AEZ Zakakiou have hired a former Premier League star as their new head coach, in what is a surprise new move for the 37-year-old.
After starring for the likes of Southampton and Crystal Palace in the Premier League, the midfielder moved to Cypriot side Pafos in 2019 before finishing his playing career at Anorthosis Famagusta four years later.
Eager to ply his trade as a manager, the Croydon-born star stayed in Cyprus to take charge of second tier side Peyia 2014 last summer and left in January to seek a new move.
AEZ Zakakiou, who sit 12th in the 14-team Cypriot top flight, announced that they had appointed Jason Puncheon as their new manager on Saturday.
Puncheon made 74 appearances for Southampton, helping the Saints win promotion to the Premier League in 2012 before leaving for boyhood club Crystal Palace two years later.
Former Premier League star Jason Puncheon has taken on a new surprise role in management
AEZ Zakakiou, who sit 12th in the 14-team Cypriot top flight, announced that they had appointed Puncheon as their new manager. The footballer retired as a player last campaign
Jason Puncheon is the new manager of AEZ Zakakiou.
The 37-year-old takes charge of the Cypriot top-flight club. They are currently 12th in the 14 team league.
Ex-#CPFC man finished his playing career in Cyprus and has previously managed Peyia in the lower tiers. pic.twitter.com/Yd4JUAJAGe
— English Players Abroad (@EnglishAbroad1) February 10, 2024
He spent six seasons at Selhurst Park, scoring 16 goals in 169 appearances, and helped the Eagles establish their status as a Premier League club.
One of Puncheon’s most memorable moments on the football pitch came in 2013 when he had to rush off the field during Southampton’s clash with Everton.
After it was revealed that the midfielder needed to make an urgent call to the toilet, hilarious chants from fans followed in the weeks to come.
Puncheon’s performances would be accompanied by chants of: ‘He s**** when he wants, Jason Puncheon, he s**** when he wants’.
Taking to the chants well, the ex-Saints star later celebrated a goal by pretending to poo in front of the crowd, who reacted humourously.
