Player Profiles |
Alan TateProfile provided by Andrew Thomas Another long serving player at the club after joining from Manchester United on a free transfer following two successful loan spells. Alan was signed originally by Brian Flynn and was a key member of the team that ensured Football League survival in 2003. Alan is another player who has operated in a number of positions for the club, making over 160 appearances by the start of 2008/9. Although originally a centre-half, Alan has also regularly played at full back or in midfield as well as in goal on a couple of occasions when the situation has demanded it. Beaker is usually regarded as the pin up boy of the squad, just ahead of Shaun McDonald.
2007/2008 Profile provided by Andrew Thomas "Beaker" is now entering his 6th season and second spell at Swansea after being signed by Brian Flynn on an initial loan spell from Manchester United. Originally signed as a centre half, Alan has played in midfield and at right back regularly, looking composed in both positions. Unusual in being loved in equal measure by both Swansea and Cardiff fans following a well publicised prank involving a Welsh flag following the LDV cup win at Cardiff in 2006, Alan has regularly stuck his neck out for the club!
 2006/2007 Profile provided by Andrew Thomas Despite an unclear start to last season, Alan settled into his new right back role comfortably with a series of composed, classy performances, and was arguably our most consistent defender. Capable of playing in a variety of positions, due to injuries in the away game to Nottingham Forest, Tatey slotted in at Right Back, Central Defence and Central Midfield. This versatility is underlined by his other cameo performances as the scientist's assistant alongside Kermit and Fozzie Bear. A local flag company was disappointed not to be able to sponsor his shirt this year!
2005/2006 Profile provided by Andrew Thomas Alan is now in his third spell with the club following two very successful loan spells from Manchester United. No longer an automatic choice at centre half due to the form of Iriekpen, Austin and Monk, but has filled in when required at right back and in midfield without looking out of place. One of the classiest players operating in the lower leagues, he has made himself a favourite with many Swans fans. Commanding in the air, and solid in the tackle, his pace can often compensate for occasional lapses in concentration. Auditioned for the part of the giraffe in the new Disney film Madagascar. 2004/2005 Profile provided by Andrew Thomas Signed once again on loan from Manchester United, on a double deal with Daniel Nardiello, Alan returned to Manchester after a month, but with his heart set on a return to South Wales. He rejoined the Swans on a permanent basis in the New Year and was immediately one of the first names on Brian Flynn, and then Kenny Jackett's team sheets. One of the classiest defenders operating at this level, he has made himself a favourite with many Swans fans. Commanding in the air, and solid in the tackle, his pace can often compensate for occasional lapses in concentration. 2003/2004
His first home game in a Swans shirt was in our 2 - 0 win over Shrewsbury at The Vetch, where he produced a spectacular performance and instantly became a fans favourite. He became a United trainee in July 1999, he first played for the U19's where he 21 appearences he had earnt a professional contract within a year and by the end of the 00/01 season had earned the captaincy of the reserve side. Alan's first loan spell was in Belgium where he played for Royal Antwerp Tate's ball skills are impressive, he is comfortable on the ball and is a good distributer. |
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Alan is 6'1" centre back who had a 7 month loan spell at The Vetch last season in our fight for league survival.