Paul Mariner
A powerful, old-school English striker whose aerial prowess and work ethic made him a beloved figure for Ipswich Town and the national team.
1953–2021 (age 68)·English footballer·Birthday: May 22·Baby Boomers
Biography
Paul Mariner’s journey to football prominence was unconventional, beginning in non-league football with Chorley before his raw talent was spotted. His move to Ipswich Town in 1976 under Bobby Robson transformed both his career and the club. With his formidable heading ability and relentless presence in the box, he became the focal point of an Ipswich side that won the FA Cup in 1978 and the UEFA Cup in 1981, forging a legendary partnership with Alan Brazil. His robust style translated seamlessly to the international stage, where he earned 35 caps for England and scored vital goals in the 1982 World Cup qualifying campaign. After playing for Arsenal and in the nascent North American soccer scene, he transitioned into coaching and broadcasting, where his passionate, insightful analysis kept him connected to the game until his passing.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Paul was born in 1953, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Paul Was Born
The biggest hits of 1953
#1 Movie
Peter Pan
Best Picture
From Here to Eternity
#1 TV Show
I Love Lucy
Paul's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1953Born
DNA structure discovered by Watson and Crick
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,750Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Song from Moulin Rouge" — Percy FaithBest Picture: From Here to Eternity
1958Started school
NASA founded
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Volare" — Domenico ModugnoBest Picture: Gigi
1966Became a teenager
Star Trek premieres on television
Gas: $0.32/galHome: $14,200Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"The Ballad of the Green Berets" — SSgt Barry SadlerBest Picture: A Man for All Seasons
1969Could drive
Apollo 11: humans walk on the Moon; Woodstock festival
Gas: $0.35/galHome: $15,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Sugar, Sugar" — The ArchiesBest Picture: Midnight Cowboy
1971Could vote
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1974Turned 21
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1983Turned 30
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1993Turned 40
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2003Turned 50
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2013Turned 60
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2021Died at 68
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
Key Achievements
- Scored 13 goals in 35 appearances for the England national football team, including crucial goals in 1982 World Cup qualification.
- Won the UEFA Cup with Ipswich Town in 1981, scoring in the second leg of the final against AZ Alkmaar.
- Led the line for Ipswich Town's FA Cup victory in 1978, scoring in the semi-final replay against West Bromwich Albion.
- Became a key figure for Plymouth Argyle, scoring 56 goals in 135 appearances, earning a transfer to top-flight Ipswich.
Did You Know?
He began his senior career in non-league football with Chorley while working as a hod carrier.
He played for the Seattle Sounders in the NASL and later coached the New England Revolution in MLS.
He was known for his distinctive mustache, which became part of his iconic footballing image.
After retiring, he worked as a commentator for the New England Revolution's television broadcasts.
“Ipswich Town gave me the chance to prove myself at the highest level.”
