League of Ireland fans received some unexpected news last week, with it being revealed that an Irish club was set to lose one of their players to reality show Love Island.
The ITV show, which places a number of singles in a Spanish villa over a months long schedule, has developed into a smash hit in recent years. The attraction for contestants is obvious, with some former villa members going on to build fortunes as a result of their appearances on the programme.
The player in question was not named at the time, although rumours began to quickly circulate about their potential identity.
We were finally given an answer last night, with it being revealed that Shelbourne goalkeeper Scott van der Sluis was set to step into the villa.
Bombshell alert 🚨 Goalie Scott is looking for a keeper - will he find one in the Villa? #LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/QDQwy1rCzT
— Love Island (@LoveIsland) June 14, 2023
A Welshman, the 22-year old joined Shelbourne in the summer of 2022 and has acted as their no. 2 this season. His only appearances for the club since signing have come in the Leinster Senior Cup.
Damien Duff cracks joke after player joins Love Island
Shelbourne released a statement on the matter this morning, wishing their former player all the best on his new endeavour.
As for manager Damien Duff, he couldn't help but crack a joke about the decision the goalkeeper had made.
I was shocked and saddened that Scott chose a villa in Mallorca full of beautiful single women over myself, the staff and the players.
All jokes aside, I thank Scott for his services to Shelbourne FC and we all wish him the very best for the future, whatever that holds.
A real tough decision.
As for Scott van der Sluis, he thanked the club for supporting him and wished them all the best moving forward.
I’d like to thank Shelbelbourne FC for everything they’ve done for me, the lads, staff, fans and people around the club have been brilliant with me since coming in.
I’ve loved my time at Shels, Football is all I’ve ever done, all I’ve ever known. So this is a new and exciting opportunity for a change-up in life.
Shels are a great club going in the right direction and I look forward to seeing what the lads can achieve. Shels is my club now, I look forward to cheering on the lads as a fan.
Having struggled to make a first team breakthrough at Shelbourne, van der Sluis will no doubt be hoping to experience a bit more success in the Love Island villa.
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