A LOVE Island favourite’s dream job hangs in the balance weeks after he returned to his “real” career following his All Stars stint.
The ITV2 star, 24, was quick to get back to the grind despite finding a blossoming romance in the villa.
We were first to report how Tom Clare returned to his role as a Macclesfield FC footballer just days after the spin-off show wrapped.
The forward won Love Island All Stars with now-girlfriend Molly Smith, 30 – beating her ex-boyfriend Callum Jones and Jess Gale.
After leaving the villa Tom revealed: “I am moving back up North to be closer to my family, get back to football and hopefully back to Macclesfield F.C, if they will have me back.”
The team, nicknamed The Silkmen, did indeed welcome him back with open arms with Tom often in the starting line-up or on the reserve bench.
He played his part in their tense final games which sadly saw the Cheshire outfit miss out on promotion earlier this week.
Yet Tom’s footballing career at the club may now be in question.
Macclesfield FC released their retained list this week, with Tom’s name not on the sheet.
Instead, the club have reported how they remain “in discussions with” the matchmaking show star.
This does not mean he will not play for the club next season but hints there are finer details to be ironed out before any confirmation is made.
No doubt Tom will be hoping to sort out any contract or contract negotiations quickly so his future at the Leasing.com stadium is secure.
The Sun has gone to Tom’s reps and Macclesfield FC for comment.
Love Island fans and football followers alike are eager Tom stays put.
One posted on Instagram: “Pls keep Tom Clare at Macclesfield.”
A second then put: “Come on Tomm Clareeee.”
Tom proudly posed with the Macclesfield home shirt back in March as he declared to his Instagram fans he was “back home.”
After Macclesfield’s season wrapped this month, Tom was quick to offer hope he’d resume his role come August.
In a lengthy post on Instagram he wrote: “Football’s a funny game at times, highs, lows but I live and breath it.
“It wasn’t the outcome we wanted, it hurts and will do until the new season starts
“I’ve loved being back playing, big thanks to the fans for the warm welcome back and for chanting my name every game
“The adrenaline is something I crave and have done since I was young, time to recharge and hit preseason at the fitness I want to be at, see you next season.”
His girlfriend Molly – who has been a constant support – wrote underneath: “Proud of you always.”
WINNERS – Tom Clare and Molly Smith
2nd place – Callum Jones and Jess Gale
3rd place – Sophie Piper and Joshua Ritchie
4th place – Georgia Steel and Toby Aromolaran
5th place – Georgia Harrison and Anton Danyluk
She recently revealed on the So Wrong It’s Right podcast with Olivia Attwood that getting used to her new man’s career had been easy, as she is a long-time supporter and former season ticket holder at Premier League team Manchester United.
She has previously been seen at the club alongside fellow co-star Anton Danyluk, 28, supporting Tom last season.
In January 2023, the star was given permission by the club and Director of Football Robbie Savage to leave mid-season for his initial Love Island stint.
Tom has previously played for clubs including, Bradford City and Boston United.
