Macclesfield Town issue statement after one of their players signs up for Love Island

Macclesfield Town have put out a statement supporting one their player in his decision to go on Love Island.

The ITV2 hit reality show kicks off again on Monday 16 January, with a few changes this time around. The second winter version of the programme is taking place in South Africa, with Maya Jama on hosting duties.

But some things always stay the same and of course someone on the season 9 line up is a Non-League footballer.

It seems that a lower-league player always ends up looking for love in the villa and this year's representative will be 23-year-old striker Tom, who has been branded 'Mr Love Island' by Macclesfield director Robbie Savage.

The official Love Island Twitter account posted his introduction video, with the caption, "Footballer Tom is ready to tackle the boys to get the girl of his dreams."

Macclesfield will therefore be without the Barnsley-born forward for the foreseeable future in their North West counties fixtures.

However the Silkmen, who are top of the table with 52 points, are fully supportive of Clare appearing in Love Island.

A statement on their official website read: "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.

"We wish Tom every success and look forward to welcoming him back to the Club in due course."

In July, Halifax Town and Montserrat star Jamie Allen caused a stir by flying to Majorca and entering the Love Island villa as a "bombshell".

It came just weeks after he signed a contract with the club, who said "the matter will be reviewed".