Plymouth Argyle’s hierarchy have backed Head Coach Tom Cleverley, stating he is the “right person” for the job.
Chief Executive Paul Berne has backed the clubs Head Coach and reiterated the boards belief in Cleverley and his staff.
Plymouth Argyle dropped back into the League One relegation zone after 2-0 loss to Mansfield Town on Tuesday night.
Tom Cleverley was appointed in June on a three-year-deal after a positive spell at Watford. Things have not gone well for the former Manchester United player so far, with the Pilgrims winning just four games.
“We are a quarter of the way into Tom’s first season with us. Whilst results have been disappointing, nothing has changed in terms of Tom being the right person for this club,” Berne said in a statement.
“We need to bring that stability throughout the club and this comes from head coach downwards.”
Cleverley has acknowledge that Plymouth needs to turn things around as soon as possible, insisting he still believed in the team and they could do the task in hand.
Berne, who was appointed just over three weeks ago after being a director since 2019, pointed towards injuries in the first team as a reason for bad results.
Plymouth were only able to name six substitutes on the bench against Mansfield due to these inuries.
Despite this, Berne insisted he was not making excuses for Cleverley.
“I feel that the club has been through an enormous period of instability, both on and off the pitch,” Berne added.
“We have seen too many changes of personnel and this has made it difficult to find consistency in what we do.
“I believe strongly that we need to return to a state where we regain that consistency and therefore success. That will take time, but this is the right thing for our club and our future.”
Tom Cleverley’s Plymouth Woes
It’s safe to say things have been far from ideal for Cleverley at Plymouth so far.
The Pilgrims dropped back into the drop zone after their midweek defeat and despite an FA Cup respite approaching, the heat isn’t reducing for the Plymouth boss.
Plymouth have failed to score in their last two games, losing 2-0 in both.
Things looked to be clicking for Tom Cleverley and the Pilgrims in a run of five wins in six, but three losses in three has seen Plymouth fall back down the table.
The biggest issue for Argyle has been the team’s home form.
This season, Plymouth have won just two games at home, only three teams have secured less points at home than the Pilgrims making it no wonder Cleverley’s team find themselves where they are.
Five Games to Save Tom Cleverley
Plymouth will get a short break from their abysmal league form as head to Wycombe Wanderers for their opening FA Cup tie.
Following that it’s back to the League One for Tom Cleverley and his team, travelling to Huddersfield Town in a game that could decide his job and that of Lee Grants.
Should Tom Cleverley survive, the Pilgrims will host Bristol Rovers in the EFL Trophy before the team goes back on the road for two straight games.
A trip to high-flying Bradford City is up first before travelling to Port Vale in what will be a must win game should Plymouth still be flirting with the relegation places at the time.
Tomm Cleverley will no doubt need positive results in all but the cup games to keep his job.
Plymouth expect to be pushing near the top of the table and should things not change soon, that will become a pipe dream until at least next season.
