Mike Thalassitis' football boss is "disappointed" he didn't tell him he was going on 'Love Island'.
Mike Thalassitis
The 24-year-old sportsman set pulses racing last week when he arrived in the villa to cause a stir among the female contestants but, although his friends and family are proud of his on-screen gig, Margate Football Club's manager Steve Watt is surprised he didn't let him know beforehand.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: "I wouldn't say I'm fuming to be honest.
"The disappointing factor is he hasn't let me know. It's not an ideal situation for me... I'd have appreciated at least a call to say he would be going on the show.
"He's very easy on the eye Thala. At this level as a manager you've got to take into consideration that the football isn't their first income. You're dealing with players who've got labourers jobs, plasterers jobs, whatever jobs. He's seen it as an opportunity, like he says, he can't turn down. But the disappointing thing is that he didn't pick the phone up and let me know.
"It's laughable. I didn't think I'd be sitting in this position with one of my players going onto a TV show and potentially missing preseason."
Steve has never watched the show, which sees single men and women compete for love, but he has admitted he'll be tuning in now that Mike's on the show to ensure he behaves himself.
He explained: "I might have to Sky-plus it tonight and make sure he's behaving himself. Look, he's a young good-looking lad and he's going to go in and have a bit of fun I'd imagine. As long as it doesn't affect anything down in Margate - the way we want to do things and the way we would like our players to conduct themselves then I won't have a problem with it."