From Skelmersdale to South Africa! Macclesfield’s Tom Clare has been allowed to join ITV’s Love Island

Macclesfield FC forward Tom Clare has been given permission by the club to take part in the upcoming Love Island series.

Clare, who was one of the club’s first signings after predecessor Macclesfield Town succumbed to financial problems, could be out of action for his club until March, when the series is expected to come to an end.

Clare won’t be the first athlete to take part in the winter version of the show – which will see several singles live together at a villa in South Africa – with British basketball star Ovie Soko joining the competition in 2019.

Macclesfield forward Tom Clare has been given permission to join Love Island this month

The Northern Premier League club said they had given Clare an extended leave of absence to attend the show but stressed he is expected to return once the show is over.

The club’s official statement read: “Macclesfield FC can confirm that the club have granted Tom Clare an extended leave of absence to compete in this year’s Love Island competition.

“Tom approached us with the request a few weeks ago and we were delighted to show the same loyalty he has shown to us since becoming one of our first-ever signings in 2021.

Clare told Love Island that Macclesfield director Robbie Savage told him “Mr. island of love

“Despite the fact that we are disappointed to lose a player of Tom’s caliber for the foreseeable future, we also recognize the incredible opportunity this represents for both him and his family on a personal level.

“Tom remains an integral part of our plans here at 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.”

Clare will try to recreate the performances of former non-league footballer Finn Tapp, who entered the competition without alerting former club Oxford City and won the 2020 show.

London Lions captain Ovie Soko helps outdo the crowd after performing in Love Island

However, the 23-year-old leaves his side in a strong position as the Silkmen sat at the top of the Northern Premier League West Division on 52 points and appear to be strong contenders for promotion to the Northern Premier Division.

Clare himself has scored eight goals so far this season, placing him fifth in the club’s goalscoring chart.

Macclesfield also formerly has ex-Love Islander Luis Morrison on his books before joining Stafford Rangers on loan in the 2021/22 season and leaving Macclesfield in June 2022.

In an interview with Love Island ahead of the show’s launch, Clare said: “Robbie Savage is the director of my football club and he always calls me Mr Love Island but I won’t say I’m a player because I am.” Not me!’