Plymouth Argyle manager Tom Cleverley has denied reports that he will leave Home Park to take the vacant position at Preston North End.

The Lilywhites became the first Championship club to sack their manager after Paul Heckingbottom was fired following a 1-0 home loss to Lincoln City, leaving them with only three points from seven games to begin the season.

The hunt for a new head coach has been ongoing for more than a week, but with no games for the Deepdale-based team until October 10 due to the extended international break, a bit more due diligence may be applied than usual.

The Sun reported on Sunday that Cleverley was on a shortlist for the post with Robbie Keane and Leighton Baines, and the Argyle manager has commented on those reports.

Tom Cleverley replies to Preston North End’s management speculation

Despite the fact that the majority of League One play is cancelled this weekend due to the ongoing international break, Tom Cleverley’s Plymouth team will face Burton Albion on Saturday, hoping to win their fourth league game in a row.

With Bradford City and Sheffield Wednesday out of action, the Pilgrims have the opportunity to move to the top of the third tier table with a win, so it’s logical that a Championship side near the bottom is interested in the former Manchester United midfielder.

During his pre-match press conference, Cleverley reaffirmed his commitment to the Pilgrims and their project, acknowledging that in-form teams may see their manager go.I am entirely focused on my work here. “It’s normal for a successful coach to be rumoured, but that’s all it is,” he explained.I’m very focused on my work here. I’m having more fun than ever, and the sense of accomplishment is palpable right now.

How Plymouth Argyle supporters responded to Tom Cleverley and Preston rumours

Ten months is a long time in football. After they hit the bottom of the League. Following a 1-0 loss against Bradford City at Home Park in late November, Tom Cleverley was under intense criticism from Argyle fans, with the majority asking for his departure.

Compared to the early months of last season, their reaction to reports linking him to Preston has been drastically different.Preston go down, whilst Argyle go up. “TC ain’t going anywhere 💚,” a fan said on X. “Cleverley’s going nowhere,” another added.

Cleverley is clearly loved at Home Park, and if the board’s choice to back him in late 2025 was contentious, it is now proving to be the correct one.

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

Only winners Lincoln scored more points in 2026 than Plymouth did last season, and the Imps went undefeated over that 23-game span.

Argyle have carried that form into current season, with 60 points and 61 goals in 30 league games this year.

Plymouth Argyle’s League One record for 2026

Games

Wins

Draws

Defeats: 6; Points: 60

That’s promotion form, and with Argyle obviously gaining pace and scoring goals at the same rate as they did last season, Cleverley may soon have the Pilgrims back in the Championship.

It’s been shown how much support Plymouth can get when things are going well, and with the club’s capacity to compete in the second division, it’s possible that, under his leadership, Argyle will overtake Preston in the footballing hierarchy.

Confirming his allegiance to the Pilgrims will undoubtedly help build additional fan support for him, and a win on Saturday to propel them to the summit will only add to that.