DOB: 2nd October 1982
Birthplace: Easington
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 13st 5lbs
International Honours:—
Previous Clubs: Manchester United
Swansea City AFC.co.uk Comment:
Alan Tate has already had 2 successful loan spells at the Vetch before
he finally signed permanantly in the 2003/2004 season under
former-manager, Brian Flynn.
His first loan spell saw him play a huge part in the battle against
Football League relegation and he was the type of defender the Swans
needed at the time.
He showed superb composure on the ball, confidence and just overall
quality and defensive skills. It didn’t take long before he was
impressing the fans with many outstanding performances.
He returned to Old Trafford at the end of that season after celebrating
Swansea’s survival. It was no surprise however when Flynn attempted to
bring him back for his 2nd loan spell but United manager, Alex
Fergerson said he wasn’t available.
Tate did return for another spell however and his quality shone through
once more. His last game at the Vetch saw him wear a t-shirt reading
“One a Jack Always a Jack”.
Alan Tate returned to Manchester United for the second time and it
wasn’t long after returning that he was back for the third time, this
time on a permanant basis. Under Jackett this season, he hasn’t had a
consistent run in the first team and he says that he is getting fed up
of a lack of first team football: “All I can do now is be patient, but
at some point I might get fed up.”
Tate can sometimes be too casual on the ball and usually loses
concentration or possession as a result. He certainly has shown in his
previous spells with the Swans that he has the ability and the
potential to become a very useful member of the squad.
Alan Tate made the right back place his own in the 2005/06 season and with consistency and excellent performances, he won the Player of the Year award.
