Toby Aromolaran Explained

Toby Aromolaran
Fullname:Tobias Ademide Aromolaran
Birth Date:3 March 1999
Height:[1]
Position:Forward
Currentclub:Hashtag United
Youthyears1:–2016
Youthclubs1:Thurrock
Years1:2016–2018
Clubs1:Tilbury
Caps1:82
Goals1:15
Years2:2017–2018
Clubs2:Loughborough University
Caps2:5
Goals2:1
Years3:2018
Clubs3:Basildon United
Caps3:2
Goals3:0
Years4:2018
Clubs4:Cheshunt
Caps4:3
Goals4:0
Years5:2018–2019
Clubs5:Witham Town
Caps5:16
Goals5:3
Years6:2019
Clubs6:Tilbury
Caps6:10
Goals6:1
Years7:2019–2020
Clubs7:Coalville Town
Caps7:2+
Goals7:1
Years8:2020–
Clubs8:Hashtag United
Caps8:74
Goals8:19

Tobias Ademide Aromolaran (born 3 March 1999)[2] [3] is an English television personality and semi-professional footballer, who plays as a forward for Isthmian League club Hashtag United.[4] In 2021, he was runner-up on the seventh series of Love Island, and has since appeared on the spin-off versions Love Island Games and , as well as the first series of Celeb Cooking School.

Club career

Youth career

Thurrock

Aromolaran, having initially started playing football at the age of 6, is a product of the Thurrock youth ranks, where he played at U18 and U23.[5] [6]

Senior career

Tilbury

In mid-2016, Aromolaran moved into the senior set-up of Isthmian League - North Division side Tilbury. His competitive bow arrived on 13 August 2016 in a league match with former team Thurrock, as he made it a goalscoring debut after netting the opener in a 1–1 home draw. Further appearances came that month against Ware, his FA Cup debut against Brentwood Town, and then back in the league against Great Wakering Rovers. In mid-September, Aromolaran scored his second senior goal in a 3-2 Isthmian League win at home to Maldon & Tiptree. He ended the campaign with 40 appearances and 3 goals; the third came on 25 October versus future team Witham Town.[7]

Aromolaran started his second season at Tilbury with 4 goals in 5 matches, as he got goals against Bury Town and Norwich United before notching a brace in a 6–4 win away to Mildenhall Town. After an 8th goal for Tilbury against AFC Sudbury on 11 November 2017, he netted braces in consecutive December appearances versus Potters Bar Town and Romford respectively; in the match with Potters Bar, he picked up his first career yellow card. Three more goals came in home encounters against Barking, Ware and Maldon & Tiptree. In 2018–19, Aromolaran featured five times before departing.

As a Tilbury player, Aromolaran featured – at centre-back – for the Essex FA county team.[8]

Loughborough University

Whilst with Tilbury, Aromolaran also occasionally participated for Midland League team Loughborough University. He appeared in 5 total matches for The Scholars and scored 1 goal, which came in a fixture at home to Coleshill Town F.C. at the Loughborough University Stadium on 18 November 2017.[9] [10]

Basildon United

After leaving Tilbury, Aromolaran began playing for Basildon United of the Isthmian League - North Division in October 2018. His stay with the club would be shortlisted, as he totalled around 63 minutes after coming off the bench in league defeats away to Aveley (19 October) and at home to Bowers & Pitsea (3 November).[11]

Cheshunt

Aromolaran switched Basildon United for Cheshunt in November 2018. Like with his former team, the player would struggle for consistency and would leave after just a few appearances. He made his debut in the Isthmian League - South Central Division on 10 November as a starter in their 3–1 defeat on the road to Hanwell Town. Aromolaran would leave after participating in the Alan Turvey Trophy against Whitstable Town F.C. on 13 November and in the league against Chipstead F.C. on 17 November.[12]

Witham Town

On 11 December 2018, Witham Town announced the signing of Aromolaran.[13] Four days later, the forward appeared for his debut in a Isthmian League - North Division victory away against Canvey Island; replacing Johnny Ashman after 74 minutes. His first goal for The Town came in a 2–1 win over Brentwood Town on 5 January 2019. A month later, on 5 February, Aromolaran scored twice in a 5–2 loss away to Bury Town at Ram Meadow. He'd participate in a total of 16 games for Witham.[14]

Tilbury return

In mid-2019, Aromolaran rejoined Isthmian League - North Division club Tilbury. His second competitive debut for The Dockers came on 17 August during a home defeat to Cambridge City, as he came onto the pitch after 37 minutes to replace Jordan Cox. He netted his only Tilbury goal of his second stint in his penultimate appearance, as he notched the final goal of a three-goal win on the road against ex-team Basildon United. Aromolaran departed after a last showing in an FA Cup defeat away to Biggleswade F.C. on 7 September.[15]

Coalville Town

A short spell with Coalville Town F.C. in the Premier Division Central] followed Aromolaran's stint back with Tilbury. He scored his only goal for Coalville on 1 October in a first round Southern League Cup against Tamworth He made a few other appearances before departing at around the time of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hashtag United

2020–21

On 31 July 2020, Hashtag United F.C revealed the signing of Aromolaran.[16] His first appearance came in a pre-season friendly win day later against Frenford, which preceded his first goal coming in an exhibition defeat a week later versus Bowers & Pitsea. Another friendly goal came against St Albans City, before the new signing netted his first competitive goal in his first competitive appearance for HTU as they won on their FA Cup bow versus Park View on 2 September. A first Essex Senior League goal arrived three days later versus Ilford on 5 September, a month that he ended by grabbing his first HTU assist in a loss at Wadham Lodge to Walthamstow on 29 September.

A fifth goal for The Tags came on 3 October in an FA Cup second qualifying round match with Braintree Town, as the forward netted from range to put HTU ahead in stoppage time. However, the club immediately conceded and were later eliminated via a penalty shoot-out. Soon after, the season was curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; though this time, unlike in early 2020, HTU would end up claiming promotion to the Isthmian League - North Division.[17]

2021–22

Aromolaran missed pre-season in 2021–22 due to his appearance on the seventh series of Love Island.[18] [19] Whilst away, Jay Devereux publicly left the door open for the player to return and continue with Hashtag United following the end of his stint on the show.[18] Aromolaran returned to first-team action for an Isthmian League, North Division home defeat to Felixstowe & Walton United on 18 September, as he came off the bench to replace Kiernan Hughes-Mason with 17 minutes remaining. His opening 2021–22 goal arrived on 4 December 2021 against Great Wakering Rovers in the league, as he also grabbed an assist for Luke Hirst. He also notched versus Dereham Town and Romford in that December, which were his final competitive goals in that campaign.[20]

2022–23

Having netted in pre-season friendlies against Cray Wanderers, Buckhurst Hill and Brightlingsea Regent, Aromolaran got his first official strike for HTU since December 2021 in an August 2022 cup win over Barton Rovers on 20 August. The forward scored his first of the Isthmian League, North Division campaign against Hullbridge Sports on 4 November, prior to netting 3 goals in December versus Great Wakering Rovers, Gorleston and Brentwood Town. Aromolaran opened 2023 with January goals at East Thurrock United and at home to Hullbridge Sports. He scored his 20th goal for HTU on 18 February as they beat New Salamis 2–1 on the road and his 21st goal four days later in a Coggeshall Town.[4]

2023–24

On the opening day of the Isthmian League, Premier Division campaign in 2023–24, Aromolaran netted a 94th-minute leveller during a 2–2home draw with Dulwich Hamlet. In his following appearance, on matchday 2, the forward converted again in a triumph at Concord Rangers. Aromolaran scored twice in a 7-0 victory away to a weakened Hornchurch side on 21 November in the 3rd round of the Essex Senior Cup. His 5th goal of the campaign was netted in a 3–1 league success over Canvey Island on 2 December.[21] [22]

Television

In 2021, Aromolaran was announced as a contestant on the seventh series of Love Island, entering the villa as an original islander on Day 1.[23] He reached the final and alongside Chloe Burrows and the pair finished in second place.[24] [25] [26] [27] [28] In 2022, Aromolaran was a contestant on the first series of the E4 reality series Celeb Cooking School in which he finished as the runner-up.[29] [30] He also took part in the Channel 4 series The Big Celebrity Detox.[31] In 2023, he took part in the spin-off series Love Island Games.[32] [33] [34] In 2024, Aromolaran was announced to be returning for .[35] [36] [37] [38]

Personal life

Aromolaran was in a relationship with Chloe Burrows, whom he met on Love Island until October 2022.[39]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: How tall is Love Island star Toby Aromolaran?. Heart.
  2. Web site: Love Island’s Toby Aromolaran: his age, friendship with Tyrique Hyde and Chloe Burrows split. Heatworld.
  3. Web site: Inside Love Island's Toby Aromolaran's birthday with girlfriend Chloe Burrows. Emily. Webber. March 4, 2022. OK! Magazine.
  4. Web site: What is Toby from Love Island’s football team Hashtag United?. July 25, 2021. The Independent.
  5. News: Who is Toby Aromolaran from Love Island 2021? Age, Instagram and job. 17 September 2022. Metro. 21 June 2021.
  6. Web site: Who Is Love Island’s Toby Aromolaran?. June 21, 2021. Grazia.
  7. Web site: Toby Aromolaran - Tilbury Football Club First Team. www.pitchero.com.
  8. News: HASHTAG UTD vs HODDESDON TOWN. 17 September 2022. Hashtag United. 26 October 2020.
  9. Web site: Five star display by Loughborough Uni FC. Pete. Warrington. October 10, 2017. loughboroughecho.
  10. Web site: Inside stories of footballers who went on Love Island and became TV stars. April 16, 2022. The Mirror.
  11. Web site: Essex footballer who's never been in a relationship entering Love Island. Mel. King. June 22, 2021. Essex Live.
  12. Web site: Toby Aromolaran . Hashtag United . 8 January 2024.
  13. News: The club would like to welcome Toby Aromolaran who is 19 & recently joined our First team making his debut vs Romford, he plays as a striker / winger & has previously played for Tilbury, Basildon United & Cheshunt. 17 September 2022. Witham Town. 11 December 2018.
  14. Web site: Aromolaran is loving life with Witham Town. January 11, 2019. Braintree and Witham Times.
  15. Web site: Tilbury | Appearances | Toby Aromolaran | 2018-2019 | Football Web Pages. www.footballwebpages.co.uk.
  16. News: NEW SIGNING!. 17 September 2022. Hashtag United. 31 July 2020.
  17. Web site: Reviewing the weekend's non-league games. Jack. Patmore. December 3, 2023.
  18. News: Plenty of you asking if and when @Toby_Aro is coming back…. 17 September 2022. Hashtag United. 26 August 2021.
  19. Web site: Essex footballer set to join new series of Love Island. June 21, 2021. Gazette.
  20. Web site: What is Toby Aromolaran's football team, Hashtag United?. Capital.
  21. Web site: Toby Aromolaran putting football first with Hashtag. January 6, 2023. Echo.
  22. Web site: Hashtag United secure big win at Concord Rangers. August 16, 2023. Echo.
  23. Web site: Who is Toby Aromolaran? Love Island: All Stars 2024 contestant. Radio Times.
  24. Web site: Who is Toby from Love Island and which football team does he play for?. August 23, 2021. The Independent.
  25. News: Love Island star Chloe Burrows' family speak out after disgusting trolling . . 5 August 2023 . 8 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220808100852/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a36903004/love-island-chloe-burrows-family-reaction-trolling/ . live .
  26. News: Love Island: 2.8m see Millie and Liam crowned 2021 winners . . 5 August 2023.
  27. Web site: Love Island's Toby addresses whether he wants to marry Chloe. August 25, 2021. Digital Spy.
  28. Web site: 'Toby will be a better person after Love Island'. August 23, 2021. www.bbc.co.uk.
  29. Web site: Celeb line up revealed for E4’s Celebrity Cooking School (w/t) | Channel 4. www.channel4.com.
  30. Web site: E4’s Celeb Cooking School filmed in Warminster. September 6, 2022. Wiltshire Live.
  31. Web site: Toby Aromolaran opens up on drinking his own urine for Celebrity Detox. Katie. Archer. May 3, 2023. OK! Magazine.
  32. Web site: Love Island’s Toby Aromolaran says spin-off is "Love Island on steroids". October 19, 2023. Digital Spy.
  33. Web site: Toby Aromolaran reveals reason he is on Love Island Games 2023. Capital.
  34. Web site: Love Island’s Toby Aromolaran: his age, ex-girlfriend and relationship with Chloe Brockett. October 19, 2023. Closer.
  35. Web site: Georgia Harrison to appear on Love Island All Stars. January 8, 2024. BBC News.
  36. Web site: Love Island: All Stars 2024 - Confirmed line-up. Radio Times.
  37. https://www.itv.com/news/2024-01-08/love-island-all-stars-line-up-announced-whos-returning-to-the-villa
  38. Web site: Love Island All Stars 2024 contestant line-up revealed. January 9, 2024. Digital Spy.
  39. Web site: Why Love Island's Chloe Burrows and Toby Aromolaran split. Capital.