Former Arsenal, Ipswich Town and England striker Paul Mariner has died at the age of 68.
Appearing on ESPN FC TV for several years, Mariner began his career with Plymouth Argyll before moving to Ipswich, where he won the FA Cup in 1978 and the UEFA Cup two years later. He won 35 caps for England in an eight-year international career, and was named in the squads for the 1980 European Championship and 1982 World Cup.
Mariner continued to play for Arsenal and Portsmouth before finishing his career with Wollongong City in Australia and the United States with Albany Capitals and San Francisco Bay. He was an assistant coach under Steve Nicholl at the New England Revolution for several seasons, helping the team reach three straight MLS Cup finals between 2005–07.
After a brief stint at Plymouth in 2009, he moved to Canada and in 2012 had a seven-month spell as coach of Major League Soccer franchise Toronto FC.
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 sorry to inform you that Paul passed away peacefully on July 9, surrounded by his family, after a brief battle with brain cancer," Mariner's family said in a statement. “We want to thank all those who came to see him through his illness for his support and the messages he sent; they meant so much to him and us.
"A special thanks should go to the NHS and the incredible care they need when they need it most and for that we, as a family, will be forever in your debt.
"Paul lived a full life and was fortunate enough to represent his country as well as a group of illustrious football clubs that meant the world to him.
"Whoever knew Paul would attest to his brilliant sense of humour, his passion for life and his work. He will be greatly missed by everyone who was around him and those who were closest to him."
“Paul had a big heart, and once he met you he was used to drawing you into the circle of his friendship. We all mourn the passing of a good man, a dear friend and an important member of the ESPN FC family. are," said Rodolfo. Martinez, Vice President, International and ESPN Outcast Production. "We send our condolences and thoughts to his family and fans."