Paul Mariner replaces Paul Sturrock as Plymouth boss

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Mariner ready for new role at Plymouth

Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock has been removed from his position and handed a business support role.

Head coach Paul Mariner, who rejoined the Pilgrims earlier this season, will instead take charge of all football activities until further notice.

"The board has decided to make this move following the continuing poor set of results," Argyle chairman Sir Roy Gardner told the club website.

"We're convinced we have the capability to remain in the Championship."

Plymouth have struggled this season and are second bottom in the league, having won only four games.

We'd like to thank Paul for his considerable contribution to Plymouth Argyle over many years Vice-chairman Paul Stapleton

Scot Sturrock, who joined Plymouth for a second time in 2007, will now be working on plans to improve the club's training facilities.

"Paul is remaining at the club, working closely with business director Keith Todd," vice-chairman Paul Stapleton told BBC Spotlight.

"We'd like to thank Paul for his considerable contribution for Plymouth Argyle over many years.

"But he's [Sturrock] a realist and knows that if the results haven't come then we need to do something.

"There comes a time like everything in football where you have to look at the facts, look at the results, look at the points and say to yourselves we need to address that now before it gets too late," added Stapleton.

Mariner, 56, joined Plymouth as head coach from US side New England Revolution in October.

606: DEBATE There is no denying that during his second tenure at the club we sold ALL of our best players, and we have bought some absolute shockers EverGreenIvy

The former England striker, who made 135 appearances for the Pilgrims between 1973 and 1976, scoring 56 goals, described the changes as bittersweet.

"It's a sad day, but obviously a happy day for me because I'm getting my chance to be a manager in the league," said Mariner.

"He's [Sturrock] a great friend of mine. The bond that we have together is quite remarkable and we have a mutual respect for each other.

Sturrock's two spells at Home Park have brought differing fortunes for the Devon side.

Stapleton sad to see Sturrock go

His first stint at Home Park saw Argyle gain promotion from Division Three (now known as League Two) in 2002 and they were promoted again in 2004, shortly after his departure to Southampton.

After his return to the club in November 2007 following spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon, Sturrock has struggled to reproduce the results of his first spell at Home Park.

Last season, the Pilgrims finished only one place and five points above the relegation zone.

And with the current season now approaching the half-way stage, Plymouth are again flirting with relegation, sitting one place off the bottom of the Championship, with their previous three games all ending in defeat.