ARGYLE head coach Paul Mariner enjoyed a wonderful return to the club that propelled his playing career onto the international scene.

Eight fantastic years at Ipswich Town is worn like a badge of pride by Mariner and he admitted that the amazing reception he was given by the entire stadium at Portman Road left him choked.

When you add in a terrific 2-0 win for the Greens, it was the perfect night for the man of the moment.

"It was pretty special and I was a little choked up," he said. "I look around this stadium and I played over eight fantastic years here.

"I had a great rapport with the fans, it is a fantastic stadium and I hope I repaid those fans when I played here.

"It was a special night. When I moved to the States 20 years ago, I didn't think it would come to fruition but it was a tremendous reception from the fans, and I can't thank them enough.

"Bringing Plymouth Argyle here in my present role was a special occasion."