HASHTAG United star Toby Aromolaran insists it is football first for him this season.

The 23-year-old shot to fame when being crowned runner up alongside Chloe Burrows during seven season of the hit ITV show Love Island.

But, despite his popularity off the pitch, Aromolaran remains firmly focused on helping the in-form Tags win promotion from Isthmian North this season.

“I take my football very seriously, it’s probably number one for me actually,” said Aromolaran.

“I’m really enjoying my football massively too.

“The team Devs (Jay Devereux) has put together this season is like a well-oiled machine.

“Everyone is doing their part and everyone knows what they are doing.

“I’m just happy I can play a part in that as well.”

Hashtag sit second in the standings having won eight league games in succession.

And Aromolaran is certain Tags can keep the good run going.

“I feel like this season is our season and that we deserve it,” said Aromolaran.

“There’s a buzz around the changing room and we’ve got all the components to take it all the way.

“We just look forward and I didn’t know it was eight wins in a row. “It’s just about chasing down Sudbury really.”

Hashtag are currently four points behind table-topping AFC Sudbury.

But Aromolaran’s sights are firmly set on closing that gap after a painful setback earlier in the season.

“When we played them at their place, we were 2-0 up and ended up losing,” said Aromolaran.

“It’s almost like revenge now and we need to hunt them down. “We’re waiting for them to come back to our place which in my eyes is going to decide the league.”

Before then however, Aromolaran will be doing all he can to ensure Hashtag pick up as many points as possible.

And that quest continues at home to 10th placed Bury Town this weekend.

“We slipped up against Bury on the opening day of the season,” said Aromolaran.

“Going there isn’t nice, the crowd was against us and the officials seemed to be as well in my opinion.

“But I don’t think we’ve lost at home this season so the record speaks for itself so we want revenge this weekend.”

Hashtag – who play at Bowers and Pitsea’s Len Salmon Stadium – have risen through the ranks since first being formed by YouTuber Spencer Owen back in 2016.

The club boasts an incredible social media presence and Aromolaran feels it is the perfect place for him to play.

“I feel like because the club is different and my life is a bit different too it fits perfectly,” said Aromolaran.

“I’m able to have freedom in a way and it’s the same with the club. “We can boost each other and enjoy our football at the same time.”