Cleverley 'excited' for 100th game as a manager

Plymouth Argyle boss Tom Cleverley says he is "excited" as he prepares to take charge of his 100th game as a manager when the Pilgrims host League One leaders Cardiff City on Saturday lunchtime.

Cleverley started his coaching career with the Watford under-18's side less than two weeks after retiring from playing in 2023 before going on to manage the senior team for 59 matches.

The 36-year-old now leads Argyle for their 41st game in all competitions this season after arriving at Home Park in June.

"I'm really excited to go toe-to-toe with the league's best team with almost a full squad to choose from," Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon.

"We were all left a little bit disappointed the last time we played two of the top four sides [suffering defeats by Stockport County and Lincoln City].

"We started the games so well - we take the lead - and then you can see we're a really thin group; we couldn't rotate on a double-game week.

"We couldn't add the quality of guys like [Xavier] Amaechi, [Bradley] Ibrahim, [Jamie] Paterson and Tolly [Lorent Tolaj] who can come on and sustain it and maybe even take the performances to the next level. Now we've got that.

"Tolly was regaining his fitness, regaining a little bit of confidence in his body, and what I can assure you is he's ready to start now."

Cleverley was in the stands to watch Argyle Women's side beat Exeter City Women 2-0 at Home Park on Wednesday as they boosted their bid to reach the Women's Super League 2.

The former England international believes his commitment to keeping an eye on all parts of the club will be key to success on the pitch in the long term.

He said: "We were really keen to start another unbeaten run that we had going before the Stockport and Lincoln games. We've managed to do that with two really strong away performances.

"Results on the pitch and performances are the driver of that [Argyle's good recent form], but I think we've felt connected to not just the supporters but the other teams part of the football club.

"There feels a real connection and an upwards curve at the minute, which is pleasing.

"There is a lot of work that goes into that, and it's absolutely key to create togetherness, confidence, and the right environment to succeed."