Why Plymouth Argyle have appointed Tom Cleverley - Simon Hallett & Andrew Parkinson have revealed it | OneFootball

The Pilgrims have confirmed the capture of Cleverley as their new manager in a highly-ambitious appointment

Plymouth Argyle chairman Simon Hallett has said that new manager Tom Cleverley is the "perfect person" to replace Miron Muslic at the Devon-based club.

Argyle's two-week-long hunt for a new head coach came to a conclusion on Friday evening, after it was announced that the Pilgrims had secured the services of the former Watford chief on a three-year deal.

The 35-year-old has been without a job since May, after he was harshly dismissed by the Hornets following a 14th-place finish in the Championship. He became the 21st managerial casualty at Vicarage Road in the last 13 years.

Cleverley now joins an Argyle side which will be looking to seal an instant return to the second-tier last season, and were left frustrated at the conduct of former boss Muslic after his move to 2. Bundesliga outfit FC Schalke 04.

Hallett spoke to the club's official website after the appointment of the new head coach was announced, outlining his delight at bringing the former England international to the club.

Simon Hallett reacts as Tom Cleverley appointed Plymouth Argyle boss

Following days of speculation and reports, Plymouth confirmed the appointment of Cleverley on Friday evening, bringing to an end the hunt for Muslic's successor.

Pilgrims chairman Hallett didn't shy away from expressing his delight at bringing the former Watford man to the club in an interview with the club's website.

The 69-year-old said: “Ever since Miron’s departure, and knowing Tom was available, we identified him straight away as the perfect person to be our next Head Coach and targeted him immediately.

“When we spoke to him, he was completely aligned with the vision and ambitions of the club, and it was clear throughout that Tom was the right fit for us," Hallett continued.

“He is fully invested in our long-term plans and will play a key role in helping us achieve them.

“He is young, passionate and did a great job at Watford. We are thrilled to bring him to Argyle and look forward to seeing the impact he has on the talented squad at his disposal.”

Also commenting was Plymouth chief executive Andrew Parkinson, who added on top of Hallett's comments: “We were inundated with interest from prospective candidates, which shows how exciting this project is.

"But, throughout the process, it was clear that Tom was the perfect person to take the club forward.

“He’s been highly sought after, so we are really pleased we have been able to bring him to Argyle and look forward to seeing him build a squad and style of play that will see us challenging at the top end of League One this season."

Tom Cleverley appointment a huge statement of intent for Plymouth

There has reportedly been no shortage of interest in Cleverley since his dismissal from Vicarage Road, with the likes of Southampton being linked with him before they appointed Will Still.

For Argyle to secure the services of a head coach who was expected to remain in the Championship is another testament to the pulling power the club still has, despite dropping into League One last term.

Appointing a young and hungry head coach like Cleverley who has a point to prove following his dismissal from Watford is a hugely exciting move not only for the present, but for the long-term future as well.

Whilst much of the spotlight in League One has been on the likes of Huddersfield Town and Bolton Wanderers last week, Plymouth have made a huge statement of intent by being the club to land the exciting young coach.