Tom Cleverley’s position at Plymouth Argyle is under growing scrutiny after a 2-0 defeat to Exeter City in the Devon Derby left the Pilgrims mired in the League One relegation zone.
The former England international cut a frustrated figure as his side were booed off at full-time following a limp display at St James Park, where Exeter earned their first derby victory over Plymouth in 6 years.
Defeat. pic.twitter.com/8MalHNw9gb
— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) October 23, 2025
First Defeat In Devon Derby Since 2019
Plymouth’s defensive frailties once again proved costly, with the hosts seizing control early on and rarely looking threatened. Cleverley admitted post-match that his team lacked structure and resilience, saying his priority now is to rebuild “defensive foundations” before the season slips away.
“We’re not defensively stable enough to build anything from,” he told BBC Sport.
“When the opposition has to do very little to score, that’s a hard foundation for a football team to build from. The most successful teams I’ve ever played in build their confidence and flair from knowing everything is solid.”
The Pilgrims created few chances beyond a disallowed early goal and a late effort from substitute Owen Dale. Injuries to attacking players Xavier Amaechi and Caleb Watts have restricted options, while Lorent Tolaj, who has scored 4 of Plymouth’s last 6 goals, was isolated and starved of service.
Cleverley’s side have now lost 8 of their 13 league matches, a record that leaves them in deep trouble after a promising start to the campaign. Their 4-0 victory at Burton Albion earlier this month looks an outlier rather than a turning point.
🗣️ “We’re embarrassed by that performance.”
Tom Cleverley on the derby loss.
— Plymouth Argyle FC (@Argyle) October 23, 2025
Fans Furious As Relegation Fight Beckons
Speaking after the loss, Cleverley acknowledged that creativity in the final third has been lacking but insisted defensive improvement must come first if Argyle are to recover.
“We haven’t got the creativity right now to score three goals, so what we must do is not concede two,” he said. “That will be a heavy part of my work moving forward.”
Despite growing pressure, Cleverley has urged supporters to stay patient, describing his project as one that requires time and trust. Fan pundits and analysts remain divided: some argue the young squad is still adapting to the physical demands of League One, while others fear a downward spiral similar to last season’s relegation from the Championship.
Owner Simon Hallett has so far maintained faith in his manager, but the Devon derby defeat is likely to test that resolve. With fixtures against promotion contenders on the horizon, Cleverley faces a crucial spell that could define his tenure.
Reaction on social media has been furious and immediate, Argyle wouldn’t have been relegated if they’d had Muslic in charge for all of last season, but he’s now at Schalke and the former Watford man Cleverley has just not impressed so far.
“There are no words that can be said right now,” posted fan Vince Rennie on X. “His tactics are slow, predictable and downright foolish.
“How many times have we heard that we have to react and remember how this feels. I’ve seen enough and this management team isn’t working.”
He’s speaking for a lot of supporters in Devon right now.
