Who is Tom Cleverley? Tom Cleverley is an English football coach and former professional player known for his versatility and leadership on the field. Born on August 12, 1989, in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Cleverley began his football journey at Bradford City's youth academy before moving to Manchester United's youth system in 2000. Over his career, he played for clubs like Leicester City, Watford, Wigan Athletic, and Aston Villa. He also represented England at various youth levels and made 13 appearances for the senior national team. After retiring as a player, Cleverley transitioned into coaching, becoming the head coach of Watford FC in March 2024.
Key Takeaways:
- Tom Cleverley's early exposure to football through his family and youth career at Manchester United shaped his successful playing career, marked by international appearances and club achievements.
- Transitioning from a successful playing career to coaching, Tom Cleverley continues to make an impact, bringing his leadership and strategic thinking to shape the future of Watford FC.
Early Life and Youth Career
Tom Cleverley's journey in football began at a young age, influenced by his family's sporting background. His early years laid the foundation for a successful career.
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Early Life and Education: Born on August 12, 1989, in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England, Tom Cleverley grew up in a sports-oriented family. His father, John Cleverley, was a former footballer, which likely sparked Tom's interest in the sport.
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Youth Career: Cleverley started his youth football career at Bradford City in 1998. After two years, he joined Manchester United's youth academy in 2000, a pivotal move that shaped his future in football.
Professional Debut and Loan Spells
Cleverley's professional career took off with Manchester United, but he gained valuable experience through various loan spells.
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Professional Debut: Cleverley made his professional debut for Manchester United in 2008. Playing as a midfielder, he quickly became known for his versatility and excellent passing ability.
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Loan Spells: To gain more playing experience, Cleverley was loaned out to several clubs, including Leicester City, Watford, Wigan Athletic, and Aston Villa. These stints helped him develop his skills and adapt to different playing styles.
International Career and Olympics
Cleverley's talent extended beyond club football, earning him a spot on the national team and the Olympic squad.
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International Career: Cleverley represented England at various youth levels, including the U20 and U21 teams. He made his senior international debut for England in 2012 against Italy, playing 13 matches for the national team.
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2012 Olympics: Cleverley was part of the Great Britain Olympic team in 2012, participating in five matches. Although he didn't score any goals, his performance was commendable.
Achievements with Manchester United
During his time at Manchester United, Cleverley achieved significant milestones, contributing to the team's success.
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Premier League Titles: Cleverley was part of the Manchester United squad that won the Premier League title in the 2012-2013 season. His energy and passing ability were crucial to the team's success.
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Community Shield Wins: Cleverley won two Community Shields with Manchester United in 2011 and 2013, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure in high-profile matches.
Later Career and FA Cup Final
Cleverley's career continued to flourish as he moved to other clubs, including a memorable run to the FA Cup final with Watford.
- FA Cup Runner-Up: In 2019, Cleverley was part of the Watford team that reached the FA Cup final but lost to Manchester City. This experience highlighted his dedication and perseverance in competitive football.
Transition to Coaching
After retiring as a player, Cleverley transitioned into coaching, taking on a new role at Watford.
- Managerial Career: Cleverley became the head coach of Watford in March 2024, marking a new chapter in his football career. His leadership and strategic thinking are expected to shape the team's future.
Playing Statistics and Skills
Cleverley's playing career was marked by impressive statistics and a range of skills that made him a valuable player.
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Playing Statistics: Throughout his career, Cleverley played for five clubs: Manchester United, Leicester City, Watford, Wigan Athletic, and Aston Villa. He made a total of 328 appearances and scored 33 goals.
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Passing Ability: Known for his exceptional passing ability, Cleverley consistently demonstrated his technical skills on the field. His passing statistics often showed a high completion rate, above 80%.
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Versatility: Cleverley played in various midfield positions, including centre midfield and left midfield. His versatility allowed him to adapt to different team formations and strategies.
Leadership and Evolution
Cleverley's leadership skills and steady improvement throughout his career made him a respected figure in football.
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Leadership Skills: As a player, Cleverley was recognized for his leadership skills. He motivated his teammates and contributed to team cohesion.
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Player Evolution: The FBDB Index, which measures player performance based on statistical data, consistently ranked Cleverley high in terms of technical and mental skills. This indicates his steady improvement and adaptability throughout his career.
Career Highlights and Personal Life
Cleverley's career highlights and personal life provide a glimpse into the man behind the footballer.
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Career Highlights: Notable highlights of Cleverley's career include winning the Premier League title with Manchester United in 2013 and reaching the FA Cup final with Watford in 2019.
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Personal Life: Tom Cleverley is married to Ruth Cleverley. The couple has been together since their early days in football, supporting each other throughout their careers.
Physical Attributes and Playing Style
Cleverley's physical attributes and playing style contributed to his success on the field.
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Height and Weight: Cleverley stands at 1.74 meters (5 ft 9 in) and weighs 67 kilograms (148 lbs), typical for a professional midfielder.
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Best Foot: Cleverley is right-footed, a common trait among many professional footballers. His right foot has been instrumental in his passing and shooting abilities.
Current Role and Managerial Statistics
Cleverley's current role as head coach of Watford marks a new chapter in his football journey.
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Current Team: As of 2024, Cleverley is the head coach of Watford FC. He is responsible for leading the team and making strategic decisions to improve their performance.
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Managerial Statistics: As of April 2024, Cleverley's managerial record at Watford shows 7 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses. His win percentage stands at 14.29%, indicating a challenging but promising start to his managerial career.
Titles and Runner-Up Positions
Cleverley's career includes several titles and runner-up positions, reflecting his contributions to various teams.
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Player Titles: During his playing career, Cleverley won several titles, including the Premier League title with Manchester United in 2013 and the League One title with Leicester City in 2009.
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Runner-Up Titles: Cleverley was part of teams that reached runner-up positions in various competitions, including the Premier League runner-up with Manchester United in 2012 and the Championship runner-up with Watford in 2021.
Legacy and Future
Cleverley's legacy in football extends beyond his playing career, with his influence continuing as a coach.
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Career Index: The FBDB Index, which evaluates player performance based on statistical data, ranks Cleverley high in terms of overall performance. He has an index score of 82 out of 100, indicating his consistent and high-quality contributions to the sport.
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Legacy: Tom Cleverley's legacy in football extends beyond his playing career. As a coach, he is expected to bring the same level of dedication and strategic thinking that characterized his playing days. His influence on the sport will continue to be felt as he shapes the future of Watford FC and potentially other teams in the years to come.
Tom Cleverley's Lasting Impact
Tom Cleverley’s journey from a promising youth player to a respected coach is nothing short of inspiring. His early days at Manchester United's youth academy laid a solid foundation for a career marked by versatility, leadership, and technical skill. Loan spells at clubs like Leicester City and Watford helped him gain invaluable experience, eventually leading to a Premier League title with Manchester United in 2013.
Cleverley’s international career, including his participation in the 2012 Olympics, showcased his talent on a global stage. Transitioning into coaching, he now leads Watford FC, bringing the same dedication and strategic thinking that defined his playing days.
His legacy extends beyond the pitch, influencing aspiring footballers and coaches alike. Tom Cleverley’s story is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and passion for football, ensuring his impact on the sport will be felt for years to come.
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