# Paul Mariner

> English footballer (1953–2021)

**Wikidata**: [Q537783](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q537783)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Mariner)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paul-mariner

## Summary
Paul Mariner was an English footballer who played professionally from the 1970s through the 1980s. He is best known for his successful career as a striker with Ipswich Town and the England national team.

## Biography
- Born: May 22, 1953
- Nationality: English
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Professional football career as a striker
- Employer(s): Ipswich Town, Arsenal, Portsmouth, Plymouth Argyle, and various coaching positions
- Field(s): Association football (soccer)

## Contributions
Paul Mariner made significant contributions to English football as both a player and coach. As a player, he scored 13 goals in 35 appearances for the England national team between 1977 and 1985. He was a key member of the Ipswich Town team that won the FA Cup in 1978 and the UEFA Cup in 1981. After his playing career, Mariner transitioned into coaching, working with various clubs including Plymouth Argyle, where he served as both player and manager.

## FAQs
What teams did Paul Mariner play for?
Paul Mariner played for several clubs including Ipswich Town, Arsenal, Portsmouth, and Plymouth Argyle during his professional career.

How many goals did Paul Mariner score for England?
Paul Mariner scored 13 goals in 35 appearances for the England national team between 1977 and 1985.

What coaching positions did Paul Mariner hold?
After his playing career, Mariner worked as a coach and manager for various clubs, including serving as player-manager for Plymouth Argyle.

## Why They Matter
Paul Mariner's impact on English football extends beyond his playing career. As a striker for Ipswich Town during their most successful period, he helped establish the club as a major force in English and European football. His international career with England, including appearances in the 1980 European Championship and the 1982 World Cup, contributed to the national team's competitive presence during that era. His transition to coaching allowed him to pass on his experience to new generations of players.

## Notable For
- Scoring 13 goals in 35 appearances for England national team
- Winning the FA Cup with Ipswich Town in 1978
- Winning the UEFA Cup with Ipswich Town in 1981
- Serving as player-manager for Plymouth Argyle
- Participating in the 1980 European Championship and 1982 World Cup with England

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Paul Mariner was born on May 22, 1953, in England. He began his professional football career in the early 1970s, developing into a skilled striker known for his physical presence and goal-scoring ability.

### Playing Career
Mariner's most significant playing years were spent at Ipswich Town, where he became a key figure in the team's success during the late 1970s and early 1980s. His powerful playing style and ability to score crucial goals made him a fan favorite at Portman Road.

His international career with England spanned from 1977 to 1985, during which he earned 35 caps and scored 13 goals. He represented England in major tournaments, including the 1980 European Championship and the 1982 FIFA World Cup.

After his successful spell at Ipswich, Mariner played for Arsenal, Portsmouth, and returned to Plymouth Argyle, where he combined playing duties with coaching responsibilities.

### Coaching Career
Following his retirement as a player, Mariner transitioned into coaching. He took on the role of player-manager at Plymouth Argyle, demonstrating his leadership abilities both on and off the field. His coaching career extended beyond Plymouth, working with various clubs and contributing to player development at multiple levels.

### Legacy and Impact
Paul Mariner's legacy in English football is marked by his contributions to Ipswich Town's golden era and his service to the national team. His playing style, characterized by strength and goal-scoring prowess, influenced the development of forward play during his active years. As a coach, he helped shape the careers of younger players, extending his impact on the sport beyond his playing days.

His achievements with Ipswich Town, particularly the FA Cup and UEFA Cup victories, remain significant moments in the club's history. His international career helped maintain England's competitive presence in major tournaments during the early 1980s.

### Personal Attributes
Standing at 183 cm (6 feet), Mariner's physical presence was a notable aspect of his playing style. His height and strength made him an effective target man and aerial threat throughout his career.

### Career Statistics
Throughout his career, Mariner made significant contributions at both club and international levels. His 13 goals in 35 appearances for England represent a respectable strike rate for an international striker of his era. His club career, particularly at Ipswich Town, was marked by consistent goal-scoring and important contributions to team success.

### Later Years
Paul Mariner passed away on July 9, 2021, at the age of 68. His death was mourned throughout the football community, with tributes highlighting his contributions as both a player and coach. His impact on the clubs he represented and the players he mentored continues to be remembered in English football circles.

## References

1. nasljerseys.com
2. [Paul Mariner does aged 68. Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12352769/paul-mariner-former-england-international-dies-aged-68)
3. Transfermarkt
4. FBref
5. [Former England international dies aged 68. Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12352769/paul-mariner-former-england-international-dies-aged-68)
6. [L'ancien international anglais Paul Mariner est mort à 68 ans](https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/L-ancien-international-anglais-paul-mariner-est-mort-a-68-ans/1269471)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. [Source](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/clubs/players/36373/)