Cleverley reflects on Argyle’s start to season

TOM Cleverley has admitted he now appreciates the size of Plymouth Argyle as a football club after his experiences of the opening two months of the League One campaign.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

The former Manchester United and England midfielder, who was appointed in June as the successor to Miron Muslic, has had a mixed start, with the Pilgrims losing their first four games but then picking up 12 points from the next six.

‘That leaves Argyle in 15th position ahead of today’s fixture against Wigan Athletic, who are managed by the Pilgrims former promotion-winning boss Ryan Lowe, at Home Park (KO 3pm).

Cleverley has been struck not only by the consistently large crowds at Home Park but also the size of the travelling support, for example with 1,600 fans snapping up all available tickets for the 4-0 win away to Burton Albion last weekend.

Reflecting on the season so far, he said: “What I have learned about the football club is the size of it. To go to Burton, to go to Luton, to have those receptions when we arrive at 1.15pm, nearly two hours before Kickoff. When we come here [Home Park] it’s a full house. ‘The size of the football club is exciting and it’s a real privilege to work for.

“What I have learned about myself is to keep believing in what we do. After four games - four defeats - that would have been questionable. I have learned that I’m very processed and calm in a bit of a sticky situation.