THE tributes flowed thick and fast for Paul Sturrock after he relinquished control of Plymouth Argyle's first-team affairs to Paul Mariner on Thursday.

First up was Pilgrims' Deputy Chairman Paul Stapleton, who was the boardroom driving-force behind Luggy's original appointment as manager in 2000 and chairman when the Scot returned for a second stint just over two years ago.

"The board would like to thank Paul Sturrock for his considerable contribution to Plymouth Argyle Football Club over many years," said Paul.

"It's a sad day for me. I've brought Paul Sturrock to this football club twice. We'd like to thank [him] for his considerable contribution to Plymouth Argyle Football Club over many years.

"He was manager, effectively, when we had two promotions: in 2001-02 definitely; in 2003-04, he left with only 12 games to go and we were just about over the line. It was a bit scary, but we thank him for that championship-winning team.

"We trust that he will be held in high esteem by all Argyle fans, and fans around the country for what he has contributed to us."

Pilgrims' Executive Director Keith Todd added his deep gratitude to Luggy, who will now take on a "business-support role" at the club.

"I don't think anybody can challenge the fact that Paul Sturrock has got Plymouth Argyle in his heart," said Keith.

"Whatever mistakes may have been made, whatever opinions there are, he's always put the football club first."

Paul Mariner, who has worked under Luggy for the past two months, was at Luggy's side when the pair of them told the players of the change at the top on Thursday in a pre-training meeting in the Argyle boardroom.

"Paul Sturrock deserves the highest accolades and the highest honours," said the Head Coach. "People do not get in the boardroom too often, so we thought it was the appropriate place.

"It has been a sad day for me. I got very emotional during the talk with the payers because Paul Sturrock, to me, is a fantastic football brain, a fantastic coach.

"I don't think it's any secret that, with his illness, things have not gone the way that he would have wanted.

"I was brought in when he wanted to make a change on the coaching staff. We met when I was coming in to work with Keith and the board on the [World Cup] bid. It was happenstance that we met.

"Even though our friendship has been a short one, we have had an incredible bond."