Tributes to Ipswich Town legend Paul Mariner
The former England striker has passed away, aged 68
Former Ipswich and England striker Paul Mariner has died at the age of 68.
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 Argyle, Arsenal and Portsmouth while he also earned 35 England caps and scored 13 times for his country.
Mariner had been battling brain cancer.
A statement from his family read: "We regretfully inform you that Paul passed away peacefully on July 9 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.''
Ipswich Town have posted a series of tweets remembering their former striker:
A tweet from the England team's account read: We're sad to have learned that Paul Mariner, who made 35 appearances for the #ThreeLions , 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 team-mate with Ipswich and England, also paid tribute
Terry Butcher, a former team-mate with Ipswich and England, also paid tribute.
He was a leader, he led the line. Without him we were a bit weaker. Great teammate, her would help everybody, he would work hard for the team. With Ipswich he was our main man - he was the man that made us tick"
Mariner began his career at Plymouth and scored 61 times in 155 appearances for the club before leaving for Ipswich in 1976.
Mariner, who played at the 1982 World Cup, also had spells playing and coaching in the United States and he managed Plymouth during the 2009-10 season. He later managed Toronto FC and worked as a media pundit.
Ipswich Town players will be wearing black armbands as a mark of respect at this afternoon's (10th July) friendly at Dartford. There will also be a minute's applause before kick off.