Tom Cleverley drops new update on his Plymouth Argyle situation amid Preston links | OneFootball

The Plymouth Argyle boss responds to the rumours linking him with the vacant Preston job

Plymouth Argyle boss Tom Cleverley has batted away speculation of him leaving Home Park to take the vacant role at Preston North End.

The Lilywhites became the first Championship side to sack their manager after Paul Heckingbottom was dismissed following a 1-0 home loss against Lincoln City, which left them with just three points from seven games to open the campaign.

The search for a new head coach has been going on for over a week now, but with no games for the Deepdale-based side until October 10 due to the extended international break, there can be a little more due diligence taken than usual.

The Sun reported on Sunday that Cleverley was on a shortlist with Robbie Keane and Leighton Baines for the role, and the Argyle boss has had his say on those links.

Tom Cleverley responds to Preston North End managerial speculation

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Despite the ongoing international break wiping out the majority of the League One action this weekend, Tom Cleverley's Plymouth side are in action against Burton Albion on Saturday, looking to win a fourth straight league outing.

With both Bradford City and Sheffield Wednesday not in action, the Pilgrims can leap to the top of the third tier table with a win, so it's understandable as to why a side near the foot of the Championship are being linked with the former Manchester United midfielder.

In his pre-match press conference, Cleverley acknowledged that in-form sides can often see their manager be the subject of a move elsewhere, but reaffirmed his commitment to the Pilgrims and the project they're undergoing.

"I'm completely focused on my work here. I think it's normal that a coach that's doing well is sometimes rumoured, but that's all it is," he said.

"I'm really focused on my work here. I'm enjoying it more than ever, and the feeling of building something is really strong at the minute."

How Plymouth Argyle fans responded to Tom Cleverley, Preston rumours

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10 months is a long time in football. After they hit the foot of the League One table after 17 games following a 1-0 loss against Bradford City at Home Park in late November, Tom Cleverley was under immense pressure from the Argyle fans, with most calling for him to go.

Their reaction following the reports linking him to Preston is night and day compared to what they were after the first few months of last season, though.

"Argyle go up, Preston go down.. TC ain't going anywhere 💚," one fan said on X. "Cleverley going nowhere," another added.

"TC is not available …," was also amongst the comments, as was "Cannot see TC leaving Argyle for Preston."

Evidently, Cleverley is well-liked at Home Park, and while it may have been an unpopular decision to back him by the board in late 2025, it's proving to be the right one.

Tom Cleverley would be wise to stay at Plymouth Argyle this season

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Last season, only champions Lincoln took more points in 2026 than Plymouth did, and the Imps went unbeaten throughout that 23-game period.

Argyle have taken that form into this season, and have now collected 60 points and scored 61 goals in 30 league games this calendar year.

That's promotion form, and with Argyle seemingly starting to get a head of steam and scoring goals at the rate they were doing during their surge up the table last season, it may not be long before Cleverley has the Pilgrims back in the Championship himself.

It's been seen the level of support Plymouth can get when things are going well, and with the potential of the club to compete in the second tier, it may end up being the case that, under his stewardship, Argyle can end up overtaking Preston in the footballing food chain.

Confirming his loyalty to the Pilgrims will definitely help generate fan support for him; even more than there already is, and a win on Saturday to see them hit the summit would continue that, too.