LOVE ISLAND winner Tom Clare has been released by his football club, who are managed by Wayne Rooney’s brother.
National League North club Macclesfield finished fourth in their league this season.
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Love Island winner Tom Clare has been released by Macclesfield Credit: Getty
The National League North side are managed by John Rooney, the younger brother of Wayne Credit: PA
And as they prepare for another season in step six of the English football pyramid, they have announced their retained list ahead of the summer transfer window.
The list confirmed seven players had been retained for next season, while eight, including former Manchester United star Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, remained in discussions.
But the list also confirmed nine players had been released from their contracts.
Among them was 2024 Love Island: All Stars winner Clare.
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The 26-year-old first joined the Silkmen in 2021 when they were taken over by owner Rob Smethurst.
He was the club’s top scorer during the 2021/22 season with 23 goals, which earned him a two-year deal in 2022.
His TV responsibilities took him away from the club for a time before he returned in 2024 under the management of Robbie Savage.
John Rooney, the younger brother of England and Man Utd icon Wayne, then took over the management job in 2025 upon his retirement and Savage’s exit.
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Macclesfield thanked their departing stars for their hard work throughout the season Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Clare was previously the club’s top scorer but played just one game this season Credit: Alamy
Former Man Utd star Cameron Borthwick-Jackson is in negotiations over his future Credit: Getty
Love Island hunk Clare has played just one game this season.
However, he was seen alongside his team-mates celebrating their famous giant-killing of Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third round in January.
The club announcement said: “Following the conclusion of the 2025/26 Enterprise National League North season, Macclesfield FC can now confirm our retained list.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to all the departing players for their effort and dedication during their time at the Leasing.com Stadium and wish them all the best for the future.”
