Plymouth Argyle have officially appointed Tom Cleverley as their new head coach, marking a swift and decisive move to stabilize the club following their recent relegation from the Championship. The 35-year-old, who was sacked by Watford in May 2025 after a 14th-place finish in the Championship, has signed a three-year contract with the League One side. His appointment comes in the wake of Miron Muslic's controversial departure to German club Schalke 04, a move that left Argyle searching for a leader capable of orchestrating a rapid return to the second tier.
Chairman Simon Hallett expressed strong confidence in Cleverley’s ability to guide the Pilgrims back on track. “Ever since Miron’s departure, and knowing Tom was available, we identified him straight away as the perfect person to be our next head coach and targeted him immediately,” Hallett said. “When we spoke to him he was completely aligned with the vision and ambitions of the club and it was clear throughout that Tom was the right fit for us. He is young, passionate and did a great job at Watford. We are thrilled to bring him to Argyle and look forward to seeing the impact he has on the talented squad at his disposal.”
Chief executive Andrew Parkinson echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the competitive nature of the hiring process. “We were inundated with interest from prospective candidates, which shows how exciting this project is. But, throughout the process, it was clear that Tom was the perfect person to take the club forward. He’s been highly sought after, so we are really pleased we have been able to bring him to Argyle,” Parkinson stated. Discussions about Cleverley’s backroom staff are ongoing, with former Watford assistant Damon Lathrope, who also has ties to Devon football, expected to be a leading candidate to join the new manager’s team.
Cleverley’s managerial journey began at Watford, where he took over as head coach in March 2024 following Valerien Ismael’s departure. Despite being a relatively young coach, Cleverley impressed during his 14-month tenure, overseeing 60 games with a record of 20 wins, 14 draws, and 26 losses. His leadership helped Watford avoid relegation in the 2023/24 season with a 15th-place finish and maintain a similar mid-table position the following year. However, missing out on the Championship play-offs led to his dismissal in May 2025.
Before stepping into management, Cleverley enjoyed a respectable playing career, including 13 caps for England and a Premier League title with Manchester United in 2013. His experience as a midfielder at clubs like Manchester United, Everton, and Watford adds valuable insight that he now brings to Plymouth.
The Pilgrims face a critical season in League One after their relegation, with a squad that has already been bolstered by four summer signings: Bradley Ibrahim, Jack MacKenzie, Jamie Paterson, and Caleb Watts. The club’s ambition is clear — an immediate return to the Championship. However, the challenge is steep, with competition from other relegated teams like Cardiff City and Luton Town.
One of Cleverley’s first and most urgent tasks will be to secure the future of striker Ryan Hardie, a pivotal figure for Plymouth since joining in 2021. Hardie’s goal-scoring prowess has been a cornerstone for the club, with an impressive tally of 51 league goals over four seasons, including 34 goals and 15 assists in 131 League One appearances. His consistent double-digit goal-scoring seasons highlight his importance to the team’s attacking threat.
Rumors have swirled around Hardie’s future, with Championship side Wrexham reportedly interested in signing him earlier this year. Despite these speculations, Hardie still has one year remaining on his contract, and Plymouth holds no obligation to sell this summer. Maintaining his services will be crucial for Cleverley’s promotion push, not only for his on-field contributions but also for his leadership qualities, which are invaluable to a squad undergoing transition.
The pressure on Cleverley is substantial. Plymouth Argyle have seen a rapid turnover in management, appointing their fifth permanent head coach in less than two years. The club’s recent history includes the brief reigns of Wayne Rooney and Miron Muslic, both of whom struggled to steer Argyle clear of relegation. Rooney, a former England captain, was sacked mid-season after securing just 18 points from 23 games, leaving the club rock bottom of the Championship table.
With a larger budget than the one available during their successful 2023 League One campaign, Cleverley has resources to strengthen the squad. Owner Simon Hallett has stressed the importance of this investment, emphasizing that the club is serious about achieving promotion. “He is fully invested in our long-term plans and will play a key role in helping us achieve them,” Hallett said.
As Cleverley steps into his new role, his task is clear: to bring stability, build a competitive squad, and ignite a promotion campaign that returns Plymouth Argyle to the Championship at the first attempt. His blend of youthful energy, managerial experience, and playing pedigree make him a promising choice for this challenge.
The coming months will test Cleverley’s ability to manage expectations, navigate the pressures of League One, and retain key players like Ryan Hardie. If he succeeds, Plymouth Argyle could soon be celebrating a swift revival and reclaiming their place in English football’s second tier.
