Cleverley needs time to improve Argyle fortunes

TOM Cleverley has talked about building a winning culture at Plymouth Argyle but on the evidence of the first two games of the 2025/26 season that is not going to be achieved quickly.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

It is clear for everyone to see that the squad, even allowing for the fact that five players are currently injured, is not strong enough, both in terms of quality and numbers. The Pilgrims are crying out for a dominant centre-back and a striker with experience and a goal scoring track record.

Their early struggles will not make the recruitment of players for those two absolutely key positions any easier, with the team one of six in League One yet to pick up a point this term. The business Argyle do, or don’t do, before the end of the summer transfer window on September 1 looks likely to be pivotal to their prospects for the campaign.

Cleverley saw his side comfortably beaten 2-0 at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday. Stood in the opposition technical area was the familiar figure of former Pilgrims’ boss Steven Schumacher, who led them to the League One title in the 2022/23 season with 101 points.