Mariner relishing Pilgrims challenge

Mariner: Excited by challenge

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Plymouth's new head coach Paul Mariner is relishing the challenge of guiding the Championship strugglers away from the drop zone.

Mariner has been entrusted with first-team affairs after Paul Sturrock, in his second spell in charge, was relieved of his duties.

Sturrock has been offered the chance to remain at the club in an, as yet, undecided capacity.

Plymouth acted after three consecutive league defeats left them second from bottom in the table and four points adrift of safety.

Some believe Mariner may just be a stop-gap until a long-term appointment can be made, however, he insists he is in it for the long haul.

Mariner insists he always arrived at the club to be mentored by Sturrock and believes he has learned a lot from the vastly-experienced manager.

Confirmation

"As far as I'm concerned I'm confirmed. I'm in charge of team affairs," he told Sky Sports News.

"I'm in charge of the youth team, the reserve team and the first team. There is a lot on my plate, but I'm looking forward to it.

"It's no secret now that we've conjured up a plan that I would come in, be his apprentice and listen and learn from the great man.

"His knowledge of the game, the league, of everything top to bottom in football is superb. Everyone knows what he brings to the table.

"That was the plan and it's come a little bit earlier."

Ample time

Vice chairman Paul Stapleton insists Plymouth gave Sturrock ample time to turn things around and, if anything, gave him additional leeway

"It's really a culmination of poor results and league position and ultimately the fans' reaction as well," he explained.

"We had to listen to the fans. We tried to give Paul Sturrock every chance really, every help we could.

"Probably longer than some of the other managers might have had. We have supported Sturrock."