TOM REVELS ON THE BIG STAGE!
TOM CLARE is used to living life in the fast lane. Star striker and fans’ favourite at Macclesfield’s Moss Rose, the former Barnsley and Bradford City trainee had helped the Silkmen win back-to-back promotions from the North West Counties League when he got the call that would change his life forever.
“I was absolutely flying at the time,” Clare told The NLP. “Robbie [Savage] and Rob [Smethurst], the owner, had done a lot for me and the team were successful. I was thoroughly enjoying my football.
“But then I got the once-in-alifetime call inviting me to go on Love Island.
“At first, I was a bit unsure about it but then I came to my senses. I was single and wanted to meet someone and it was a fantastic opportunity for me, so I thought ‘why not’. I just couldn’t turn it down.
“I was still under contract so I pulled Rob and Robbie into the office and we had an open conversation.
“Robbie, at first, didn’t want me to go, which he has every right not to as I was his top goalscorer but, in time, he came round and realised how big an opportunity it was for me. He let me go and he stood by me throughout the whole process.”
Indeed, joined by 2.4 million other primetime viewers, the Macclesfield chiefs watched their star striker being catapulted into one of Britain’s biggest reality TV’s stars, as the smoothtalking Silkman finished third alongside then partner Samie Elishi.
Let alone a football, Clare had the celebrity world at his feet, but although the bright lights had dictated a whole new lifestyle, his aim was always to dust down his boots and return to the day job, while helping Macc achieve their aim of a third straight promotion.
Celebrity Gods
All was agreed until the celebrity gods came calling once again with an offer for Clare to appear on Love Island All Stars, celebrating a decade of the popular ITV2 show.
“I had an amazing experience the first time, and I was single, so it was probably an easier choice to go back in,” Clare explained.
“You might think, ‘It’s the All-Stars, they’ll be egos in there’, but there was none of that. My intention was just to meet someone.
“I tried my best to stay fit in the villa. We used to do 80100 laps around the pool every day just to try and keep ticking over, and bearing in mind it was 38 degrees heat some days so it was hard work, but I couldn’t just sit there, I couldn’t waste valuable time to get back fit for when I did come back to football. That was always the aim.”
This time round, however, Clare well and truly hit the jackpot, finding love with new girlfriend Molly Smith with the pair capturing the hearts of the nation to be crowned inaugural All Star champions.
But for this new big-hitter of the small screen, there was still a scratch that needed to be itched and after a chat with new Silkmen boss Michael Clegg, he signed a deal to resume his blossoming playing career and return to the Leasing.com Stadium for the rest of the season.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind – a lot crazier than the first time I was on,” Clare adds.
“I remember I came into training for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I sat down with Cleggy and we were just very open and honest with each other.
“I’ve met a lot of sly managers and coaches in football but he has a lot of time for his players and we have a lot of respect for him.
“The plan was to get back fully next season, but I’ve come in, I’ve trained hard and the manager seems to like me.
Hunger
“I feel fit, I feel strong and I’ve got the hunger, so we decided to do it now.
“Work wise, I’m extremely busy at the moment and it’s work I just can’t turn down so I’ve told the gaffer, if he needs me, then I’m here.
“There will be times when I’m going to have to miss training or the odd game because of work that has already been booked in, but I was honest and Cleggy, Robbie, and Rob are all completely fine with it.”
Clare was named as an unused sub for the Isuzu FA Trophy quarter-final win against Coalville Town and now finds himself just 90 minutes away from a dream appearance at Wembley.
Finding love in front of 2.4 million viewers is one thing, but Clare admits his knees have gone all trembly at the prospect of gracing the hallowed turf at the home of football.
“We’re 90 minutes from Wembley, that’s every footballer’s dream,” said Clare, who scored his first goal back for the play-off chasing Silkmen against Stafford Rangers last week. “They are a great set of lads, they’ve put in a lot of hard work to get to promotion push and a semi-final – the place is buzzing at the moment.
“Yes, it’s a bit disheartening to be on the bench, but I know I had every right to be. I didn’t even expect to be in the squad.
“I’m keeping fit, I’m keeping strong, hopefully I can play some part in the lads getting promoted and making it to Wembley.
“It’s just a case of working hard in training, impressing the new manager and waiting for my time to get back on the pitch.”