New England Revs assistant coach Paul Mariner is a step closer to joining Plymouth Argyle. Plymouth have parted company with assistant manager Kevin Summerfield, fuelling rumours of a return to Home Park for Mariner.

Reports suggest Mariner, who played for Plymouth in the 1970s, will be appointed as Sturrock's new assistant in the near future.

Mariner is currently the No.2 to Steve Nicol at New England Revolution, but the MLS club have given the former England international permission to discuss a coaching position at Home Park.