Revolution confirm Mariner's Argyle talks
THE possible return of Plymouth Argyle legend Paul Mariner to Home Park remains unresolved.
Mariner has been in talks with the Pilgrims about working under manager Paul Sturrock.
The 56-year-old is currently the assistant to former Liverpool and Scotland star Steve Nicol at Major League Soccer club New England Revolution in the United States.
Argyle have not officially confirmed that they have been in discussions with Mariner about a coaching role.
But New England Revolution have revealed that Mariner has spoken to the Championship club.
However, they have stressed that no agreement has been reached and Mariner, who is declining to comment, is focused on a crucial MLS home game against Chicago Fire on Saturday.
The Revolution are fighting for the eighth and final play-off spot, with only two more matches still to play.
Lizz Summers, director of communications for the Revolution, insisted it was business as usual for Mariner.
Summers told Herald Sport: "Plymouth asked for permission to speak with Paul, which we granted.
"At this point, nothing is final and Paul and the rest of the coaches are concentrating on a key match against Chicago."
Mariner, who played for the Pilgrims between 1973 and 1976, made a brief visit to Plymouth last week.
He attended a media call on Tuesday to promote Plymouth's bid to be a host city for the 2018 World Cup.
But is it thought he also had talks with Argyle officials about working with Sturrock.
Mariner returned to America last Wednesday, ahead of the Revolution's 1-0 home defeat by Columbus Crew on Saturday.
Sturrock has yet to comment on the possible appointment of Mariner, who has been the Revolution's assistant coach since 2004.
The Pilgrims' boss has not spoken to the media since the 2-1 win against Scunthorpe United at Home Park on October 3.
But it is known Mariner spent time with Sturrock at his home in Plymouth last Monday.
Meanwhile, Argyle reserves will play Southampton in the Totesport.com Combination at Home Park today (2pm).
The starting line-up is set to include five players with first team experience this season.
They are defenders David McNamee and Krisztian Timar, versatile midfielder Chris Clark and strikers Ashley Barnes and Alan Gow. Argyle are top of the Combination's Wales and West Division with two wins and one draw from three matches.
The visit of Southampton is their first home fixture.
Argyle (from): Kyle Letheren, Oliver Chenoweth, David McNamee, Ryan Leonard, Ryan Brett, Sean Kinsella, Ben Gerring, Krisztian Timár, Joe Mason, Alan Gow, Yoann Folly, Chris Clark, Liam Head, George Donnelly, Ashley Barnes.
ON-LOAN Argyle pair Alan Judge and Cillian Sheridan are expected to play for the Republic of Ireland under-21s in their home game against Switzerland, in Waterford tonight.
It will be Ireland's second European Under-21 Championship qualifier in five days.
Judge scored their goal in a 1-1 draw against Georgia in Dublin on Friday night.
TORQUAY United's former Argyle pair Steve Adams and Lee Hodges have signed for Southern League Premier Division club Truro City on three-month loans.
Hodges, 36 made his debut for Truro when they drew 1-1 at home to Mangotsfield United in a FA Cup third qualifying round tie on Saturday.
Plymouth-born Adams completed his temporary move to Treyew Road yesterday.
The 29-year-old midfielder had a one-month loan spell with Conference club Forest Green Rovers earlier this season.
Truro's replay against Mangotsfield takes place tonight, with the winners at home to Forest Green in the fourth qualifying round.
16 Comments
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by argyleultra, derby
Tuesday, October 13 2009, 6:04PM
“lets face it the 8 hours at chez sturrock was his interview for this 'technical director' job - direct what exactly ?
a popular figure with the fans a generation ago (many season ticket holders i dare say) so this is done to appease them or rather they wont critise too much because he is a former hero.
wasnt mariner offered the managers job in 1992 ?
at 55 he is a little too old to come into the 2nd division we need a young manager who wants to make a name for himself.
should he end up sturrocks assistant summerfield will no doubt claim constructive dismissal & claim contract payment in full.
the world cup bid is THE be all & END all for this board , after comments made by warner (fifa deputy) england may not get it anyway ! my money is on the aussies 10/1 to host it.”
by andrew, EXETER
Tuesday, October 13 2009, 5:19PM
“Bring on Mariner isay,he is just as bad as luggy and will ensure Argiggle continue their slide into the depths !!”
by Ex-pat Green, Surrey
Tuesday, October 13 2009, 4:56PM
“This whole thing stinks. The Board are pushing the World Cup bid and need a big name to go with the club. Mariner might be their only possibility, having an affinity for the club and the city, and being an ex-England international. It has nothing to do with the ability to guide PAFC to the Promised Land (previous comments here echo my own opinion that Mariner has no experience, is too old etc). Come on Board - let's concentrate on getting Plymouth up the league and forget this ridiculous World Cup thing. There are dozens of grounds around the country with facilities and transport far superior to our own. I don't want us to be small-minded, but what happens on the pitch has to take priority over some hyped-up World Cup bid.
COYG!!!!”
by Smudge, Compton
Tuesday, October 13 2009, 4:29PM
“Appointing Paul M is like plastering over cracks. No it is more like applying a sticking plaster over a spurting aertery. unlilely to work and ending up as a bloody mess.paul S still needs to leave for the long term of the club 2 wins against lowly opposition does not demonstrate a play off place or even survival. Several issues remain unresolved Timar And Seip Puncheon and Maxwell. Mike from Devon is probably correct creating a smokescreen to avoid the central issues mentioned.”
by Steve, Plymouth
Tuesday, October 13 2009, 3:24PM
“We could use him as a Player Manager. He could be a sub then.
A Sub Mariner!”