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Long time New England Revolution assistant coach and former England striker Paul Mariner has passed away at 68.
A message from the Mariner family. pic.twitter.com/MjVK1xXtuG
— Paul Mariner (@Paul_Mariner) July 10, 2021
At the end of last year it was revealed that Mariner had surgery related to a brain tumor, and back in February was under going chemotherapy.
Mariner featured as a striker beginning with Plymouth Argyle in 1973 before being sold to Ipswich Town in 1976 where he became a legend scoring 96 goals in 260 appearances. Internationally Mariner featured for England 35 times, scoring 13 goals, and his playing accolades include the 77-78 FA Cup and the 80-81 UEFA Cup (now Europa League) Final both with Ipswich. The end of his playing career he featured with Arsenal, Portsmouth, and in American for a couple of fledgling professional teams in the early 90s.
His coaching career started at Harvard in 2003 before signing on with Steve Nicol in 2004 and staying with the Revolution through the bulk of their 2000s success before being named the head coach of Plymouth Argyle in 2009. Mariner left Argyle after relegation and joined up with Toronto FC’s front office before taking over midseason as head coach. Since leaving coaching Mariner regularly featured as a pundit on ESPN FC alongside Nicol and in the broadcast booth where his commentary alongside Brad Feldman were a staple for the Revs for many seasons.
The outpouring of support from teams, former players and broadcasting colleagues are all ready pouring in.
We're sad to have learned that Paul Mariner, who made 35 appearances for the #ThreeLions, has passed away at the age of 68.
— England (@England) July 10, 2021
Mariner represented England between 1977 and 1985, scoring 13 goals.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family, friends and former clubs. pic.twitter.com/kusQZYmVs4
We are devastated to hear the news of the passing of Town legend Paul Mariner at the age of 68.
— Ipswich Town FC (@IpswichTown) July 10, 2021
The thoughts of everyone at #itfc are with Paul’s family and friends at this sad time.
Thank you, Paul. pic.twitter.com/NpfEuDsWTa
https://t.co/4vvgVBb02U pic.twitter.com/VN41YZPnEy
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) July 10, 2021
How very sad to hear of the passing of my old ESPN colleague Paul Mariner. Such a superbly stylish England striker and very good bloke. He will be much missed.
— Ian Darke (@IanDarke) July 10, 2021
The Revolution TV family mourns the passing of Paul Mariner. His passion for the sport and for life made working on the broadcasts fun and the @NERevolution world a better place to be. pic.twitter.com/GpyLdEVAcK
— NE Revolution TV (@RevsTV) July 10, 2021
Our thoughts are with Mariner’s family right now at this difficult time. We are honored to be among the places he called home during his long and wonderful soccer career. Those of you who have stories about or with Coach Mariner feel free to leave them in the comments below.
We’ll miss you Paul.