Plymouth Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley has set a clear target for new signing Joe Ralls, with the experienced midfielder aimed at starting the League One trip to Port Vale on Saturday, 22 November.
Ralls, a former Cardiff City captain, signed a short-term deal until January after leaving the Bluebirds in the summer. He trained for two days before the defeat at Huddersfield, and while Cleverley admitted he was tempted to involve him immediately, he opted to hold the midfielder back to avoid any risk after a lengthy spell without competitive minutes.
Ralls build-up plan and possible Vertu Trophy minutes
Joe Ralls may feature in the Vertu Trophy tie at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday, which would serve as a controlled step in his return to match intensity. Cleverley framed the immediate objective around Port Vale, describing Ralls as a huge addition whose leadership, experience and calmness can steady the group. The plan is designed around conditioning and durability, not a quick fix, and reflects the need to integrate the 32-year-old properly rather than rushing him into a high-stakes league fixture.
The decision comes as Plymouth Argyle search for solutions at the bottom of the League One table after the 3-1 loss at Huddersfield Town. Ralls travelled with the squad and was involved at Thorp Arch during preparations, which underlines how close he is to returning. A managed cameo in midweek would give staff key data on rhythm, tempo and contact minutes, before that targeted start at Vale Park.
Discipline context, squad notes and Mitchell update
Six Argyle players were booked at Huddersfield, including Owen Dale and Malachi Boateng in the opening 13 minutes, followed by Kornel Szucs, Bradley Ibrahim, Mathias Ross and Lorent Tolaj. Cleverley did not identify a discipline problem, instead pointing to timing issues in individual challenges and the match context. Tolaj’s late consolation, a diving header from a Bali Mumba cross, at least offered a reminder that the side can create and convert when the delivery is right.
There was also clarity around defender Alex Mitchell. The Charlton Athletic loanee was an unused substitute, with Cleverley explaining that the player has gone through a difficult period off the pitch and is being protected while he returns to better spirits in training. The emphasis here mirrors the approach with Ralls, a focus on the individual’s readiness, mental and physical, and not forcing minutes that could be counterproductive.
For Cleverley and Plymouth Argyle, the coming fortnight is about small, targeted wins. That means getting Ralls through a controlled outing if possible, sharpening the team’s decision-making to limit avoidable cautions, and resetting confidence ahead of a match that directly impacts the bottom of the table. Port Vale sit one place above Argyle on goal difference, so the head-to-head becomes a pivot point, both in terms of points and momentum.
If Ralls can anchor possession, set a calmer tempo and guide younger teammates through key passages, Argyle’s margin for error increases, and the path out of the relegation zone becomes less steep.
The message is measured rather than dramatic. Integrate Joe Ralls properly, keep reinforcing habits that cut out cheap bookings, and ensure that every training day feeds into a stronger collective showing at Vale Park. Cleverley made it clear that Port Vale is the primary target for Ralls, and by extension, a reference point for Argyle’s wider reset.
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