IS PAUL Sturrock being lined up for a possible new role as director of football at Plymouth Argyle?

That is the question being asked by supporters now it has been finally confirmed Pilgrims' legend Paul Mariner is returning to Home Park.

Mariner is taking over as Argyle's head coach, after the departure of assistant manager Kevin Summerfield last week.

The 56-year-old former Pilgrims' striker will be at Argyle's away game against Bristol City tomorrow.

Mariner (pictured right) has quit as the assistant coach of American Major League Soccer side New England Revolution to return to Argyle – 36 years after signing for them as a player.

It has increased speculation that Sturrock, whose contract as Argyle manager ends next summer, could be moved into a new role at some point between now and then.

The Pilgrims are currently 23rd in the Championship following their 2-0 defeat away to Ian Holloway's Blackpool on Saturday.

The length of Mariner's contract with Argyle has not been revealed as yet, but according to newspaper reports in the USA, he will triple his salary by moving from the Revolution to the Home Park club.

The Revolution announced the resignation of Mariner before their 0-0 draw at home to Chicago Fire on Saturday night.

That led to Argyle issuing a statement of their own in the early hours of yesterday.

Chairman Sir Roy Gardner said: "On behalf of the Plymouth Argyle board, I am pleased to announce that we hope to confirm soon the appointment of Paul Mariner as head coach, working for the manager, Paul Sturrock.

"Paul Mariner is not only an Argyle legend but has established himself as a highly respected and leading coach in American Major League Soccer and internationally, including in Japan.

"He will bring his own style and a wealth of experience to the club, supporting the development of the football side of the club with Paul Sturrock.

"Paul Sturrock is already charged with working to complete the review of all aspects of the football side of the club, including coaching, training facilities, the scouting system, medical and physiotherapy and youth football. He will now be supported in this work by Paul Mariner."

The Revolution play the final match of the MLS regular season next Sunday, when they are away to Columbus Crew.

They are chasing the eighth and final play-off place and had hoped to retain the services of Mariner until their campaign ended.

But, following extensive talks with Argyle, they finally agreed to let Mariner leave.

The former England international striker had been the assistant coach to ex-Liverpool star Steve Nicol since 2004.

Mariner said: "I wish to thank everyone that I have worked with at the Revolution, who have been so supportive.

"I have had a wonderful experience with this club but I was presented with an offer that is very special to me personally and I could not pass it up."

Revolution vice president of player personnel Michael Burns added: "Paul has been a tremendous asset and was respected by every member of our organisation during his time with us.

"While we are disappointed to see him leave us, we wanted to allow Paul to pursue this opportunity.

"We wish him the best of luck in all of his future endeavours."

Argyle are set to enter into a partnership with the Revolution as part of the deal which has seen the American club agree to let Mariner become their head coach.

Gardner said: "The board of Plymouth Argyle are appreciative of the co-operation that New England Revolution have shown in releasing Paul Mariner.

"The two clubs have agreed a first step of a potential ongoing relationship with a plan that a number of the New England Revolution younger stars will join Plymouth for a few weeks for joint training sessions later in the season."

Mariner was signed by Argyle from non-league club Chorley in July 1973.

He made a total of 155 appearances and scored 60 goals before being transferred to Ipswich Town in September 1976.

Gardner added: "This is an appointment which will cause a tingle to run down the spine of any Pilgrim. Paul Mariner represents a past, present and future that is the very essence of what Argyle should be about.

"A beloved ex-player who knows and understands the Greens and its fans, who has carved out a post-playing career as a respected coach and who now passionately wants to put something back into his former club."

A media conference to officially introduce Mariner has been scheduled for the boardroom at Home Park on Friday.