The family of former Ipswich and England striker Paul Mariner announced his death after a battle with brain cancer at the age of 68. Mariner scored 139 goals in 339 appearances for Ipswich and was a member of their FA Cup-winning side in 1978 and their UEFA Cup-winning side in 1981. In addition to his 35 England caps, he also scored 13 times for his country.
In addition to his time with non-League Chorley, Mariners also played for Plymouth, Arsenal and Portsmouth. Mariner left Ipswich for Arsenal in 1984 and went on to make 70 appearances for the Gunners before joining Portsmouth in 1986. Upon retiring, Mariner took up coaching with his old club Plymouth and MLS club Toronto FC.
The previous year, English football fans learned that Mariner had been operated on for a brain tumour.”We regretfully inform you that Paul passed away peacefully on the 9th of July surrounded by his family, after a brief battle with brain cancer,” a family statement on Twitter read.
A message from the Mariner family. pic.twitter.com/MjVK1xXtuG
— Paul Mariner (@Paul_Mariner) July 10, 2021
Mariner achieved one of his greatest moments for England against Hungary in a World Cup qualifier in 1981. In 1982, England needed a draw to qualify for the World Cup and won 1-0 to qualify thanks to a goal by Mariner.
A flood of tributes poured in for the former centre forward, who began a career in football management and punditry after retiring in 1993.
