PAUL Mariner, who was a huge hit as an Ipswich Town striker from 1976 until 1984, will be in the Plymouth dug-out for their Saturday match against the Blues at Home Park.

Elvin King

PAUL Mariner, who was a huge hit as an Ipswich Town striker from 1976 until 1984, will be in the Plymouth dug-out for their Saturday match against the Blues at Home Park.

The 56-year-old has joined Argyle as assistant manager to Paul Sturrock having left his five-year tenure with USA club Revolution after their 0-0 draw with Chicago Fire at the weekend.

Mariner has no experience of coaching in English football, but he said: “The Championship is a very difficult,

competitive league.

“On any given day, the top team can beat the bottom team and the bottom team can beat the top team.

“I'm going in with my eyes wide open. Obviously, I have got to pick the league up but I've got every confidence in myself I can do that.”

Mariner flew into the country last night and is expected to be in the dug-out when Plymouth face Bristol City at Ashton Gate tonight.