Tom Cleverley is preparing for his second campaign as manager of Plymouth Argyle, with the club setting its sights on promotion after narrowly missing out on the playoffs last season. The team endured a difficult start, finding themselves at the bottom of League One in late November, but a strong resurgence under Cleverley's guidance saw them nearly secure a playoff spot. "If we maximise every department of the football club, promotion is achievable," Cleverley stated.
Cleverley, a former Manchester United midfielder, has focused on deepening his understanding of League One. "I’ve learned a lot," he said. "The biggest thing is my knowledge of League One. I researched every player we were playing against but until you’ve experienced the heat of the battle, it’s tough to know how to be at your most effective. You never stop learning."
His tactical approach is detailed, focusing on identifying player strengths and weaknesses to develop game plans rather than adhering to a single style. He cites managers like Unai Emery for their adaptability and player development record. "I wouldn’t pigeonhole myself into one style of tactical identity. I’m someone who believes in getting the best out of the players you’ve got, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and creating a gameplan."
The club has seen player movement, with star striker Lorent Tolaj sold for £4 million to Bristol City. Cleverley will have some of these funds to reinvest, with Will Evans already signed from Mansfield. Despite these changes, Cleverley is confident in the team's ability to compete, noting that since the start of 2026, only Lincoln City had a better record in the third tier.
Cleverley has also leveraged his past connections, with former Manchester United teammate Michael Carrick allowing Plymouth to train at the club's Carrington base last season. They have also had conversations about potential loan deals. "We’ve used Carrington, so I see Jonny Evans and Michael there," Cleverley said. "We’re good friends away from football, so we've had real good conversations about potential loans."
Plymouth's travel schedule presents a significant challenge, with the squad undertaking extensive coach journeys for away games. The team typically travels on the morning of a match, trains at a local facility, and returns as late as 4 a.m. Players then receive a day and a half off to recover. Cleverley acknowledged the miles involved but framed it as a challenge the club actively prepares for. "We try to recruit the right profile of player and character that doesn’t moan about small things. We know what we’re signing up for here. We do have the challenge of miles on the clock. It’s not a negative or an excuse, it’s a challenge, and we come across challenges big or small every day."
Cleverley, who has over 400 games as a player and manager, has developed emotional stability from past experiences, including difficult spells in his playing career. This resilience helps him manage the pressures of management. "It wasn’t as difficult as some people might have thought," he stated regarding the team's struggles last season. "I suffered a very difficult time in my playing career when I was 23, 24, that gave you a numbness and a thickness of skin in your life."
He is committed to a long-term project at Plymouth, embracing the local community and seeing the role as more than just football management. The club recently received a £65,000 grant from Sky Bet to support women through perimenopause and menopause programs, highlighting their community engagement. "We’re a club that really does walk the walk when we say we’re a community club and a family club," Cleverley said. "We have days with open training, Christmas carols, whatever it may be, we try to engage and give back to our loyal supporters. I’m certainly passionate, intense, players will call me quite detailed. I want to create an energy within the stadium. That’s a real important connection. I’m excited to be on this journey."