JOHN Carver was named as Paul Mariner's assistant in December 2009.

John, 44, is a former Newcastle and Leeds coach, and comes fresh from a stint as manage rof MLS side Toronto FC.

An assistant to the late, great Bobby Robson, Carver first took his place on the bench alongside Paul Mariner for the Pilgrims' Coca-Cola Championship clash with Coventry City.

Mariner hailed the appointment of John Carver as "a massive move forward" for the club.

Mariner had been virtually flying solo since Paul Sturrock was relieved of his first-team duties at the beginning of December and the arrival of a man with Carver's coaching experience will undoubtedly lighten the load.

"It's a massive move forward for the club, and myself, to get a man like John Carver involved with the club." said Mariner.

"It's absolutely fantastic for me and we're going to be great working together.

"I have always admired his work, at Leeds and Newcastle United. I used to speak to Sir Bobby Robson every month and he spoke extremely highly of John.

"Subsequently, I got to know him even more when he worked in the MLS as manager of Toronto. When I knew that he'd come back and we actually met at Sir Bobby's memorial service, and it went on from there. John was obviously at the forefront of my thoughts when we made the change last week.

"He will bring everything that I want. He is a fantastic coach and he knows the game inside out. He knows the leagues inside out, he knows sessions and he knows every aspect of the game, front to back.