Private Blog Network – Plymouth Argyle have appointed Tom Cleverley as their new head coach, signing him on a three-year contract. Cleverley takes over following the departure of Miron Muslic, who left to manage Schalke in Germany last month. At 35 years old, Cleverley is tasked with leading Argyle as they return to League One after relegation from the Championship. The club’s chairman, Simon Hallett, highlighted Cleverley’s alignment with Argyle’s vision and ambitions as key to his appointment. He described Cleverley as young, passionate, and an excellent fit for the club. Expressing confidence in his ability to guide the team forward.
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Cleverley’s managerial journey from Watford to Plymouth
Tom Cleverley’s coaching career began in earnest at Watford, where he succeeded Valerien Ismael as head coach in March 2024. Despite a promising start, Cleverley was dismissed in May after Watford’s poor second-half season performance left them 14th in the Championship, missing the play-offs. His tenure at Watford lasted 14 months, making him the longest-serving manager since Javi Gracia. Cleverley managed 60 games with 20 wins, 14 draws, and 26 losses. Before coaching, Cleverley had a solid playing career. Most notably with Watford, and earlier as a midfielder for Manchester United and Everton.
Plymouth Argyle’s recent managerial instability and new direction
Plymouth Argyle have experienced significant managerial turnover in recent years. With Cleverley becoming their fifth permanent manager in under two years. The club parted ways with Miron Muslic after just four months in charge. Muslic had succeeded Wayne Rooney, who took over from Ian Foster, himself replacing Steven Schumacher. The constant changes reflect the club’s ambition to find the right leader to rebuild and stabilize the squad. Chief executive Andrew Parkinson emphasized the high level of interest from candidates and praised Cleverley as the perfect fit to lead the team into the upcoming League One campaign.
Building the backroom team and coaching staff decisions underway
Following Cleverley’s appointment, talks are ongoing regarding the composition of his backroom staff at Plymouth Argyle. Several coaches hired by former manager Muslic remain listed on the club’s website, but changes are expected. Cleverley may bring in Damon Lathrope, his former assistant at Watford, who is also available after leaving the Hornets. Lathrope’s previous playing spells at nearby Torquay United could help his integration into the Devon football scene. Cleverley’s staffing decisions will be crucial in establishing his coaching philosophy and helping the team develop a competitive style of play for the new season.
Ambitions and expectations for Plymouth Argyle’s future under Cleverley
Plymouth Argyle’s leadership has high hopes for Tom Cleverley to transform the team and challenge at the top end of League One. The chairman and chief executive have both expressed enthusiasm for Cleverley’s appointment, viewing him as the ideal candidate to build a strong squad and implement an exciting style of football. The club’s recent relegation adds pressure to perform, but Cleverley’s youth, experience, and passion provide optimism. Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely as Cleverley begins shaping his squad and sets targets for promotion and sustained success in the coming years.