Non-league club issue statement after one of their players joins Love Island

The club have agreed to let him join the reality TV show

Non-league side Macclesfield FC have revealed that one of their players has signed up for the latest series of Love Island. The ITV2 show kicks off once again on Monday January 16 in the second version of the winter edition, which will see some changes. For the first time, Maya Jama will host the hit reality TV show while the show will also take place in South Africa. Some things however will remain the same and one of those entering the villa and looking for love happens to be a footballer. Series nine will see Tom Clare of Macclesfield, who has been dubbed as 'Mr Love Island' by Macclesfield director Robbie Savage, join the programme. Love Island's official Twitter account revealed him in his introduction video alongside the caption: "Footballer Tom is ready to tackle the boys to get the girl of his dreams." https://twitter.com/LoveIsland/status/1613460776555085826

'Tom Clare approached us with the request a number of weeks ago'

Macclesfield have given permission for the 23-year-old to depart midway through their league campaign in the hopes that he'll return as a Love Island winner. A statement on the club's website said: "Macclesfield FC can confirm that the Club have granted Tom Clare an extended period of leave in order to appear in this year’s Love Island competition.

"Tom approached us with the request a number of weeks ago and we were happy to show the same loyalty that he has to us since becoming one of our first-ever signings back in 2021. "Despite the fact that we are disappointed to lose a player of Tom’s calibre for the foreseeable future, we also recognise the incredible opportunity that this represents for both him and his family on a personal level.

"Tom remains very much part of our plans here at the Leasing.com Stadium and has expressed his unwavering desire to return to the Club after the show.