Paul Mariner (22 May 1953 – 9 July 2021) was an English professional footballer best known as a powerful centre-forward. Born in Farnworth, Lancashire, he rose from the lower divisions to become a key player for Ipswich Town during a period of domestic and continental success. He also represented England at senior level between the late 1970s and mid-1980s and later moved into coaching and broadcasting.

Playing career and honours

  • Plymouth Argyle — where he began his professional career and established himself as a goalscorer.
  • Ipswich Town — the club for which he is most widely remembered; part of the side managed by Bobby Robson that won the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup during that era.
  • Later clubs included Arsenal and Portsmouth among others, where he continued to contribute goals and experience.

Notable achievements: Mariner was a central figure in Ipswich's successful run in the late 1970s and early 1980s, combining consistent scoring with team-oriented movement. For season-by-season details and club records see a Paul Mariner club profile.

Style of play

Mariner combined physical presence with technical ability. He was known for intelligent runs, strong aerial ability, and a reliable finishing touch inside the penalty area. Managers valued him for both his goals and his capacity to link play, making him effective both as a lone striker and in partnership.

Internationally he featured for England from 1977 to 1985, earning more than thirty caps and scoring in double figures; his national-team record can be explored at England record. He appeared in a number of qualifying campaigns and high-profile friendlies, contributing important goals and experience.

After retiring as a player Mariner stayed in the game as a coach and manager, working with clubs in England and abroad and later contributing as a television pundit and advisor. His death in July 2021 after a short illness prompted widespread tributes from former teammates, clubs and supporters, reflecting his standing in English football.

Today Mariner is remembered for his role in one of the most successful periods in Ipswich Town's history, his robust but intelligent forward play, and a career that bridged top-level club football and international service.