16 January 2023 , 17:02
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Robbie Savage has give his seal of approval to Love Island hopeful Tom Clare, who sparked controversy with his early link to the show.
After nicknaming the 6"5 star 'Mr Love Island' on their first meeting owing to his handsome good looks, Robbie says he 'couldn't live with himself' if he banned Tom from appearing on the ITV dating series - even though it clashes with the club's fight for promotion.
Tonight, footballer Tom, 23, goes head to head with business development executive Ellie Spence, 25, in the first public vote of the series to win a place as a last minute bombshell.
While his position on the show remains firmly in the hands of viewers, Tom's initial announcement came with some backlash.
Supporters of his team Macclesfield FC were less than impressed to see their top scorer of last season jetting off to South Africa for a 'winter of love.'
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The club confirmed they'd granted the non-league football star extended leave to fulfil his reality TV dream.
Club Director Robbie Savage has now told the Mirror he fully supports Tom, telling critics he couldn’t deny himthe opportunity of a lifetime.
Footballer Tom Clare is hoping to bag a place on winter Love Island as the first bombshell of the series (ITV)
Ellie Spence, 25, is also hoping to make an impression on viewers (ITV)Tom, who has previously played for Barnsley and Bradford City, has a contract with Macclesfield until 2024.
Silencing the trolls, Macclesfield FC's Savage says he is fully on board with Tom's decision after the sportsman personally asked for his approval.
“He pulled me to one side and asked if he could go on the show," says Robbie. "He'll defintely be missed but how could we say no to an offer that could change his life?
"I told him, 'This is a fantastic opportunity for you and your family.
“One thing is for sure he’s magnificent lad and we support him fully.
Macclesfield striker Tom Clare is going on Love Island (Macclesfield FC)"I could have said no but how could I live with that?" asked Robbie.
“He’s a massive part of the dressing room. People have said 'Oh it's a distraction to the season and our promotion campaign', but if anything it has brought the lads closer and we’re all fully behind him.
"They are a close bunch anyway but this has galvanised us," added the former Welsh international.
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Robbie and Tom have known each other since 2021, when Tom became one of the club’s first signings.
“I called him ‘Mr Love Island’ the first time I saw him,” says Robbie.
Love Island's Maya Jama will announce the bombshell twist in the very first episode (ITV)“But he’s not just handsome he’s a lovely chap. Very down to earth and such a lovely bloke."
Robbie also confirmed he's had ‘several’ sit down chats with Tom before he took off for South Africa to prepare him for the media spotlight.
“Obviously you hear a lot about mental health and instant fame with shows like this so we’ve tried to educate and help him as best we can," explained the former Strictly Come Dancing contestant.
Robbie says he is also keeping in touch with Tom's parents to advise them as best he can: “I told them ‘don’t look at anything’ And if you need me just call me."
And as for Tom's future with the club, Robbie says ‘If he finds love in there then great. And if he comes out and makes a load of money we’ll be happy for him.
"But if he wants to come back then he’ll be welcomed too."
Previous Love Island winner Finn Tapp did not tell his club Oxford City that he was taking part (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Tom's arrival on the show will see him follow in the footsteps of fellow former non-league footballer Finn Tapp should he win the public vote.
Finn did not tell his club Oxford City about his plans to appear in the show before taking part in the last winter series in 2020.
After coupling up with Paige Thurley the pair went on to win the show and are still together three years on.