Alan Tate

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.