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.

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.