Puncheon picks up a point in top-flight managerial debut in Cyprus

Former MK Dons midfielder Jason Puncheon picked up a point in his top flight managerial debut on Friday night in the Cypriot First Division.

The 37-year-old made 95 appearances for MK Dons across three spells between 2004 and 2010 before making a move to Southampton, helping them progress from League One to the Premier League.

He became a top-flight regular with Crystal Palace before making the move to Cyprus in 2019 after leaving the Eagles, joining Pafos. There he remained for three years, racking up 80 appearances before moving on to Anorthosis Famagusta before hanging up his boots at the end of last season.

Remaining in Cyprus though, Puncheon was appointed head coach of Second Division side Peyia 2014, where he helped them to finish sixth, reaching the play-offs. But Puncheon was snapped up by First Division outfit AEZ Zakakiou to lead them from the dugout.

And his first game in charge could not have come much tougher, taking on midtable side Nea Salamis, earning a 1-1 draw. And they could climb into 11th spot in the First Division later today when AEZ take on Karmiotissa, who sit one spot and one point above them in the standings.