Plymouth Argyle have officially appointed Tom Cleverley as their new head coach, marking a fresh chapter for the club as they aim to bounce back from relegation to League One. The 35-year-old, who has signed a three-year contract, arrives at Home Park with a reputation for tactical acumen and youth development, following a notable stint at Watford.
Cleverley’s managerial journey at Watford saw him guide the club to a respectable 14th-place finish in the Sky Bet Championship last season, a steady improvement that earned him praise and highlighted his potential as a promising young coach. His tenure at Watford concluded in May after narrowly missing out on the Championship playoffs, but his leadership qualities and vision have clearly impressed Plymouth’s hierarchy.
Chairman Simon Hallett expressed his enthusiasm about securing Cleverley’s services, stating, “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 emphasized the alignment between Cleverley’s ambitions and the club’s long-term vision, adding, “He is fully invested in our long-term plans and will play a key role in helping us achieve them.”
Andrew Parkinson, Argyle’s Chief Executive, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the competitive nature of the recruitment process. “We were inundated with interest from prospective candidates, which shows how exciting this project is,” Parkinson said. “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.”
Cleverley’s appointment follows a turbulent period for Plymouth Argyle. The club was relegated from the Championship last season after finishing 23rd, just three points shy of survival. The previous head coach, Miron Muslic, had taken over midway through the campaign from Wayne Rooney, who endured a challenging spell with the club, managing only 18 points from 23 games before his dismissal in December.
Muslic’s departure was confirmed in a succinct statement by the club, announcing his move to German 2. Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04. Despite Hallett’s earlier claims that Muslic was “100 per cent committed” to Argyle, the Austrian coach opted to pursue a new opportunity, leaving the club to rebuild under new leadership.
Fans will be hoping Cleverley can steer Argyle back to the Championship at the first attempt. Last season, the Pilgrims managed 46 points from 46 games, a tally that underscores the challenge ahead but also offers a foundation to build upon. Cleverley’s experience in the Championship, where he steered Watford to 15th place in the 2023/24 season before improving to 14th last term, provides a valuable blueprint for success.
During his time at Watford, Cleverley managed 59 games, achieving 20 wins, 14 draws, and 25 losses, with the team scoring 71 goals and conceding 77. His points per match ratio stood at 1.21, reflecting a competitive edge that Plymouth will look to harness as they aim for promotion.
Interestingly, Cleverley’s appointment came after he beat out former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere for the role, underscoring the club’s confidence in his vision and approach. His background as a former Manchester United player adds an extra layer of intrigue, especially given the mixed legacy of Rooney’s tenure at Argyle.
The club is keen to see Cleverley implement a style of play that not only challenges for promotion but also excites the fans and develops the squad’s young talent. Discussions around his coaching team are ongoing, with further announcements expected as pre-season preparations kick off with the players returning around June 20, 2025.
For Plymouth Argyle, the coming months represent a critical period of transition and opportunity. Cleverley’s youthful energy and tactical nous could be the catalyst the club needs to return swiftly to the Championship and restore confidence among supporters.
With the new season looming, all eyes will be on Home Park to see how Cleverley’s vision translates on the pitch. The club’s leadership is optimistic, the fans hopeful, and the players ready to embrace the challenge. As Chairman Hallett put it, “We are thrilled to bring him to Argyle and look forward to seeing the impact he has on the talented squad at his disposal.”
As pre-season unfolds, Plymouth Argyle’s journey under Tom Cleverley is just beginning, promising an exciting and potentially transformative era for the historic club.
