Paul Mariner to join Argyle
FORMER England and Argyle striker Paul Mariner is being lined up to promote Plymouth’s bid to become a World Cup host city.
Mariner, currently assistant coach at American Major League Soccer side New England Revolution, has been rumoured as a possible candidate should a managerial vacancy arrive at Home Park.
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Paul Mariner
But Herald Sport has been told Mariner is likely to be taking on a diplomatic role with the Pilgrims, to help push their ambitions to host a World Cup game, should England be awarded the 2018 tournament.
Talks are believed to have taken place between Mariner and Argyle officials, and an announcement is expected to be made later this week by the club.
Mariner, who played in the 1982 World Cup, was in England at the end of last month to attend Sir Bobby Robson’s Memorial Service in Durham. He also still has family in Devon.
The striker joined Argyle in 1973 from non-league side Chorley.
He scored 56 goals in 135 appearances before being snapped up by Robson’s Ipswich for over £200,000.
Mariner had eight successful years at Ipswich before going on to play for Arsenal and Portsmouth.
He earned 35 England caps, scoring 13 times.
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by DaveJ, San Diego CA, USA
Tuesday, October 06 2009, 10:52PM
“OK, I realise that getting the World Cup in Plymouth is a long shot, I understand all the issues. However, whether or not Argyle are in the Premier League or The Conference isn't a problem. When the World Cup was in the USA in 1994, there wasn't ANY professional football league in the country, so none of the stadiums had a team playing regularly in them. Didn't stop USA getting the tournament, and also recording the highest number of paying spectators at any world cup.
A comment on a separate topic that comes up from time to time on this site. If Paul Sturrock is replaced at Home Park, I believe it would be a poor decision to have him go "upstairs". What would he do there? If it's anything where he would have some influence over signings or anything to do with playing matters, that would be a disaster - see Newcastle/Keegan/Wise. If he's to be fired as manager, then i think it's best if he packs his bags, and goes. No business I've been involved in wants or needs an ex-manager hanging around.”
by Mike Turnbull, Plymouth
Tuesday, October 06 2009, 12:37PM
“Mariner is to help with world cup bid and all of sudden he is going to be the next manager!!
What a load of tosh!
He was a great player and it was obvious he would play for England at an early stage, but I would not want him as our manager. No experience in the UK, let alone the championship, and I doubt he would have that many contacts in the game over here as he has been abroad for quite a while I think.
Does anybody know what Maxi has done? Its is bad news that he appears to be suspended.
COYG”
by Troubledfan, devon
Tuesday, October 06 2009, 10:34AM
“If one of the previous posts is right and Mariner is going to replace Sturrock who will in turn be moved upstairs: I really hope Mariner is allowed to be the manager and not have any obstruction or influence on the team from PS. He is crap now and how will he get better moving up a flight of stairs. He will then just wield a bigger stick to do as he pleases. Let him go, right away from Home Park and let someone else do the job. I dont beleive mariner is here to promote our bid. England havent even got the world cup yet. Cart before horse or subtefuge.”
by Green Dragon, Far Away
Tuesday, October 06 2009, 9:03AM
“Mariner is a legend
since he left the UK he has done a great job with Steve Nicol with New England in the MLS; with one of the smallest player budgets but consistently high finishes for the club
he knows whats needed and will be a genius addition for the new owners who aint done much yet”
by Noddy, Burgh Island
Tuesday, October 06 2009, 7:06AM
“Togo V Iran played at Wembury... How surreal”