Tom Cleverley, born on August 12, 1989, in Basingstoke, Hampshire, is a name many football fans across England know well. Having spent over a decade as a professional footballer, Cleverley transitioned seamlessly from the pitch to the sidelines in 2023. Today, as the manager of Watford FC in the EFL Championship, he is embarking on a new chapter in his career, looking to guide his team to success while building on the legacy of his playing days.
Cleverley’s career as a player was filled with highs and lows. He started with Bradford City before moving to Manchester United, where he gained significant recognition. Despite his potential, injuries and inconsistent performances meant he played for several other clubs, including Wigan Athletic, Aston Villa, and Everton. However, his passion for football has remained constant. In 2024, Tom Cleverley’s journey is not just about his past as a player but also his current role as a football manager.
Key Takeaways
- Tom Cleverley is a former English footballer turned coach, now managing Watford in the EFL Championship.
- His playing career included stints at major clubs like Manchester United, Everton, and Watford.
- Cleverley retired in 2023 and took up his managerial role at Watford shortly thereafter.
- As a manager, he has faced early challenges, with mixed results in his first few months at Watford.
- Known for his leadership on the field, Cleverley is now focusing on nurturing young talent and developing a competitive squad.
Tom Cleverley – A Football Career Full of Promise
Tom Cleverley’s footballing journey began at a young age. Born in Basingstoke, he initially joined the youth ranks of Bradford City before moving to Manchester United’s prestigious academy. At United, he was heralded as a bright prospect and even featured in their first team on several occasions. His technical ability, vision on the ball, and box-to-box work made him an attractive midfielder for top clubs.
Cleverley’s time at Manchester United was perhaps the pinnacle of his playing career, although he never managed to establish himself as a regular starter. He did, however, enjoy success during his loan spells at Wigan Athletic, where he played an integral part in their survival in the Premier League.
Later in his career, Cleverley played for clubs like Aston Villa, Everton, and Watford. His time at Watford, in particular, stands out, as he made 146 appearances for the club, scoring 8 goals. As a player, he was known for his hard work, technical ability, and leadership qualities, making him a fan favorite at various stops in his career.
Tom Cleverley’s Stats – A Glimpse Into His Playing Career
As of his retirement in 2023, Tom Cleverley had made a total of 328 professional appearances, netting 33 goals across various leagues and competitions. Below is a brief look at his career stats:
| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester United | 22 | 1 |
| Wigan Athletic | 35 | 5 |
| Aston Villa | 71 | 3 |
| Everton | 57 | 3 |
| Watford | 146 | 8 |
Despite facing injury setbacks and stiff competition for places, Cleverley remained a solid and dependable player throughout his career. His move to management after retirement was a natural progression, and he was quickly appointed head coach of Watford in 2023.
Tom Cleverley’s Transition to Management
After retiring from playing, Tom Cleverley wasted no time in taking on a managerial role. In 2023, he became the head coach of Watford FC in the EFL Championship. Taking on this challenge, Cleverley has been keen to prove his mettle in the tactical and strategic world of football management.
As a manager, his approach is to blend his experience as a player with his desire to see Watford return to the Premier League. His tenure, so far, has been marked by a series of mixed results: in 7 matches, Cleverley’s Watford team has won once, drawn five times, and lost once, giving him a win percentage of approximately 14.29%. While the results have been less than ideal, the potential for growth and development under his leadership is clear.
Tom Cleverley’s Salary and Personal Life in 2024
As a manager in the EFL Championship, Tom Cleverley’s salary is reported to be around £18,000 per week, translating to nearly £936,000 annually. This figure is on the lower side compared to managers in the Premier League but reflects Watford’s financial situation in the second tier of English football.
In terms of his personal life, Tom Cleverley is married to Georgina, and they have children together. However, Cleverley is known to keep his family life relatively private, with only limited details about his personal affairs being publicly shared.
Tom Cleverley – Beyond Football – The Politician Talk
Although Tom Cleverley has made a name for himself in football, some rumors have circulated about his possible interest in politics. However, as of 2024, there are no credible indications that Cleverley has ever considered a career in politics. His primary focus remains on football coaching and management, and his passion for the game is evident in his commitment to Watford FC.
Tom Cleverley’s Retirement – Reflecting on a Football Legacy
Tom Cleverley’s retirement in 2023 marked the end of an era as a player. He played his final professional game as a member of Watford FC, and his decision to retire was influenced by a series of injuries that had limited his playing time in the final years of his career. Despite the challenges, Cleverley leaves behind a legacy as a committed professional who gave his all for every club he represented.
Now, in his new role as a manager, he is focused on shaping the next generation of footballers and helping Watford climb back to the top tier of English football.
FAQ
What clubs did Tom Cleverley play for during his career?
Tom Cleverley played for several clubs during his career, including Bradford City, Manchester United, Wigan Athletic, Aston Villa, Everton, and Watford.
What is Tom Cleverley’s current role?
As of 2024, Tom Cleverley is the head coach of Watford FC in the EFL Championship.
When did Tom Cleverley retire from playing football?
Tom Cleverley officially retired from professional football in 2023.
What are Tom Cleverley’s managerial stats at Watford?
As of April 2024, Tom Cleverley has managed Watford in 7 matches, with 1 win, 5 draws, and 1 loss, giving him a win percentage of approximately 14.29%.
What is Tom Cleverley’s salary?
Tom Cleverley’s salary as head coach of Watford FC is approximately £18,000 per week, or around £936,000 annually.
Is Tom Cleverley involved in politics?
There are no known records or indications that Tom Cleverley has pursued a career in politics. His professional focus is on football coaching.
- Tom Cleverley – A Football Career Full of Promise
- Tom Cleverley’s Stats – A Glimpse Into His Playing Career
- Tom Cleverley’s Transition to Management
- Tom Cleverley’s Salary and Personal Life in 2024
- Tom Cleverley – Beyond Football – The Politician Talk
- Tom Cleverley’s Retirement – Reflecting on a Football Legacy
- FAQ