Pic: Margate FC
MARGATE boss Steve Watt says he is disappointed that striker Mike Thalassitis went on dating reality TV show Love Island without telling him – but will welcome him back when he returns home.
The forward, 24, joined the ITV2 programme last week and could end up missing the majority of Margate’s pre-season.
Before going on the show, Thalassitis revealed he had not informed the Gate boss that he would be jetting out to Spain, where Love Island is filmed.
The former Stevenage youngster has played for a number of Non-League clubs including Boreham Wood, Ebbsfleet, St Albans, Bishop’s Stortford, Hemel Hempstead and Welling United.
He returned to Margate in March as the Gate’s miserable season ended in relegation from the National League South.
Watt is now preparing for a promotion push in the Bostik Premier next term but could be without Thalassitis for over a month.
The Gate boss said: “I wouldn’t say I’m fuming to be honest with you. The disappointing factor is he hasn’t let me know.
“It’s not an ideal situation for me to be in. I’d have appreciated at least a call to say he would be going on the show.
“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.
“Thala is a very good lad – it’s lucky I know him as well as I do! I’m building a squad from scratch so it’s not ideal for our pre-season preparations.”
The former Chelsea and Scotland U21 defender, in his first managerial job, added: “I’ve never watched the show but I may have to Sky plus it and make sure he’s behaving himself! He’s a good looking young lad and as long as it doesn’t affect us at Margate, it won’t be a problem.
“We’ve got a few not so good looking people in the squad so that evens it out!”
