Cleverley’s Appointment Marks a New Chapter for Plymouth Argyle

Plymouth Argyle has officially announced the appointment of Tom Cleverley as their new head coach. The 35-year-old former Watford boss has signed a three-year contract with the club, succeeding Miron Muslic, who departed last month to take charge at German side Schalke. Cleverley’s arrival comes at a crucial time for Argyle, who are returning to League One after being relegated from the Championship last season.

A Proven Track Record

Cleverley, a former Manchester United and Everton midfielder, spent the majority of his playing career at Watford before transitioning into management. He took over as head coach at Watford in March 2024, succeeding Valerien Ismael. Despite being sacked in May after a disappointing second half of the season, Cleverley’s tenure at Watford was notable for its stability, marking the longest reign at Vicarage Road since Javi Gracia’s stint from 2018 to 2019. During his 14 months in charge, Cleverley managed 60 games, securing 20 wins, 14 draws, and 26 losses.

Aligning with Argyle’s Vision

Simon Hallett, Plymouth Argyle’s chairman, expressed his enthusiasm for Cleverley’s appointment, 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. When we spoke to him, he was completely aligned with the vision and ambitions of the club.” Hallett praised Cleverley’s passion and experience, highlighting his successful stint at Watford as a key factor in the decision.

Challenges Ahead

Cleverley faces several challenges as he takes the reins at Home Park. Key players like Adam Randell and Ryan Hardie have only 12 months remaining on their contracts, and there are concerns over the adaptation of players such as Michael Baidoo and Rami Al Hajj to the English game. However, with a competitive budget for League One, Cleverley is expected to build a squad capable of mounting a promotion push. Owner Simon Hallett has assured that the budget is larger than when the club won League One in 2023, adding pressure for immediate success.

A Stable Environment for Growth

Despite being Argyle’s fourth head coach since January 2024, Cleverley steps into a more stable environment compared to his time at Watford. The club has seen a revolving door of managers in recent years, with Steven Schumacher and Miron Muslic both leaving for other clubs, and Ian Foster and Wayne Rooney being dismissed due to poor performances. Cleverley’s experience and leadership are seen as key assets in steering the club back to the Championship.

Looking Ahead

As Cleverley begins his tenure, all eyes will be on his ability to recruit and retain talent, develop a cohesive style of play, and deliver results on the pitch. With the backing of the club’s leadership and a clear vision for the future, Plymouth Argyle fans are hopeful that Cleverley’s appointment marks the start of a successful new era for the club.