The former Ipswich striker Paul Mariner, who in 1981 scored the goal that took England to their first World Cup finals since they lost as holders in 1970, has died at the age of 68. Mariner had had brain cancer.
Mariner scored 139 goals in 339 games for Ipswich in a golden era in which they won the FA Cup in 1978 and Uefa Cup in 1981. His other clubs included Plymouth, Arsenal and Portsmouth, while he also earned 35 England caps and scored 13 times for his country.
In November 1981, Mariner scored the goal that secured England’s place at the 1982 World Cup in Spain. Ron Greenwood’s team had been set to miss out after a shock defeat by Norway, but after Romania stumbled they had a fresh chance and, needing only a draw against Hungary, Mariner scored after 16 minutes to carry his country safely through. Mariner also scored in the opening game at the finals, a 3-1 victory against France.
A statement from his family read: “We regretfully inform you that Paul passed away peacefully on 9 July surrounded by his family, after a brief battle with brain cancer. We would like to thanks all the people who came to see him through his illness for their support and for the messages that were sent to him, they meant a great deal to him and us.
“A special thank you must go to the NHS and the unbelievable care he received when he most needed it and for that we, as a family, will forever be in your debt. Paul lived a full life and was fortunate enough to represent a group of fantastic football clubs as well as his country, all of which meant the world to him.
“Anyone who knew Paul will attest to his fantastic sense of humour, his passion for life and for his work. He will be sorely missed by everyone who was ever around him and by those most close to him.”
Mariner also had playing and coaching spells in the United States and he managed Plymouth during the 2009-10 season.
A tweet from Ipswich read: “We are devastated to hear the news of the passing of Town legend Paul Mariner at the age of 68. The thoughts of everyone at itfc are with Paul’s family and friends at this sad time.”
A tweet from the England team’s account read: “We’re sad to have learned that Paul Mariner, who made 35 appearances for the Three Lions , has passed away at the age of 68. Mariner represented England between 1977 and 1985, scoring 13 goals. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family, friends and former clubs.”
Terry Butcher, a former teammate with Ipswich and England, also paid tribute. Butcher told Sky Sports News: “I remember him standing there, his chest was out, his chin was high, he was standing to attention. He was just perfect. That’s the example I wanted to follow. What it meant to him to play for England was everything. He was totally committed for England.”
Mariner began his career at Plymouth and scored 61 times in 155 appearances for the club before leaving for Ipswich in 1976. A statement from the club read: “The Argyle family is devastated to learn of the passing of legendary striker Paul Mariner. Everyone at the club sends our deepest condolences and best wishes to Paul’s family and friends at this tragic time.”