Simon Hallett reveals why it's a "risk" appointing Tom Cleverley for Plymouth Argyle | OneFootball

Tom Cleverley was appointed Plymouth Argyle manager earlier this summer

Simon Hallett has pointed to Tom Cleverley’s short record in management as one reason why he is a risky appointment for Plymouth Argyle.

The former midfielder spent just over 12 months in charge of Watford before being dismissed at the end of the previous campaign.

But the Pilgrims have entrusted him with their ambition to fight for promotion straight back to the Championship next season, having been relegated with a 23rd place finish last term.

Cleverley was appointed earlier in the summer following Miron Muslic’s departure, with this being his second role in his managerial career.

Simon Hallett opens up on Tom Cleverley risks

Hallett has praised Cleverley, claiming that he expects the 35-year-old to have a long and successful career in management.

However, the majority Plymouth owner has accepted that there is a risk to bringing him to Home Park given his lack of experience, having only spent one year with the Hornets prior to his appointment.

"Tom is fantastic,” said Hallett, via Plymouth Live.

“I think he's going to be fantastic.

“I think he's going to be one of those people that has a very long successful career in football as a head coach, and I hope a lot of that career is with us, but there is a risk there.

“There is always a risk.

"He has got very limited experience from a single club.

“We are hiring him because of his intellect, because of his personality, because of his character.

“His record is a short one, so that's where the risk is."

Cleverley took charge of Watford in March 2024, initially on an interim basis before he was permanently appointed, which led to him overseeing 59 games, including 20 wins.

His first competitive game in charge with Plymouth will come against Barnsley on 2 August.

Cleverley showed potential at Watford

There were a lot of people expecting Watford to struggle at the start of the season last year, but he had them competing for a top six finish before waning at the end of the term.

The Hornets finished 14th in the table, 11 adrift of the play-off places, which was a respectable showing for the 35-year-old’s first year in management.

Taking the step down to League One could be the right move at this stage of his career, and Plymouth is an opportunity for him to show what he can do with a bit more expected from him.