Plymouth Argyle are set to end their search for a new head coach by naming Tom Cleverley as Miron Muslic’s successor, according to The Mirror.
The 35-year-old was handed his first managerial position in 2024 at former club Watford. He finished his playing career with the Hornets in 2023 and moved into coaching within the club’s academy.
He is a popular figure at Vicarage Road and was widely praised by supporters for keeping the club within play-off contention last season, despite a number of off-field issues. Despite that, he found himself dismissed at the end of the campaign.
It was a decision which was widely condemned and one which made a number of clubs take note. Plymouth’s interest in the ex-England international was first reported last week, with the Pilgrims on the hunt for a new head coach after Muslic opted to join fallen German giants Schalke 04.
Cleverley Holds ‘Productive Talks’
With the Pilgrims now gearing up for life in League One, they are keen to recruit the right man to lead them back into the Championship. The Guardian reported yesterday that Cleverley had emerged as the front runner after talks with four candidates. It is claimed that Jack Wilshere, Des Buckingham and St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson were also in contention.
It is now claimed that the decision has been made following a round of productive talks. Speaking yesterday, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believed the deal would be a massive coup if Plymouth could pull it off:
“I do think he would be a good appointment.
“I think he probably could’ve pushed on and done better things at Watford.
“But I think that 100 per cent that, if Plymouth are linked with him and he does take that job, it’s obviously a step down but it would be a great coup for the football club.”
Writer’s View
Tom Cleverley may only have one season in management under his belt but he is still considered one of the brightest up-and-coming coaches in the English game. Although his experience at League One is limited, it was only a matter of time before someone else came calling for his services and Plymouth will be delighted to have secured his services. However, Watford was a place in which the 35-year-old was well versed. He knew the players, the staff and the surroundings and was popular with the supporters. That’s not the case at Home Park. A degree of patience may be required in the opening few months.
