Tate Testimonial against Man Utd
Swansea City stalwart Alan Tate has been granted a Testimonial against Barclays Premier League champions Manchester United.
New United boss David Moyes will send a Select XI to the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday, August 13.
It's a major coup for Tate, who spent his early playing days at Old Trafford before making his switch to Swansea permanent in February 2004 following two successful loan spells.
"I'm extremely grateful to the club and Manchester United for granting me this Testimonial,'' declared Tate. "I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson before he announced his retirement and he was really supportive.
"It was great to go back there a few weeks ago to say farewell, thank him and see a few old faces. I still keep in regular contact with Darren Fletcher and, in fairness, Sir Alex has always asked him how I was getting on at Swansea.
"When I go back to watch some of their games as a fan, I always try and call in to see the manager as often as I can.
"I had some great time at Old Trafford as a schoolboy, apprentice and a young professional. It proved the perfect grounding for me to develop my career at Swansea where the fans have always been fantastic to me. I hope it will be a great night.''
During his first loan spell at the Vetch Field, the central defender helped the Swans maintain their Football League status by playing in that famous 4-2 final-day victory over Hull City in May 2003. Tate and Leon Britton are the only players left in the first-team squad from that nail-biting day 10 years ago.
Although Tate has found game-time limited this season, he has already made over 300 appearances for the club and led the Swans out for their first ever fixture in the Premier League two seasons ago.
A former Player of the Year, he was also part of the Play-Off final team that clinched a place in the top-flight at Wembley where he set up two of the goals.
He has played at right-back, centre-half, midfield and even as an emergency goalkeeper on two occasions to aid the Swans' cause.
His commitment to the Swans has made him a huge fans' favourite over the years and he was rewarded with a new four-year contract in September 2011 after making his comeback from a broken leg.
We will keep you updated on Tatey's Testimonial, including ticket details, throughout the summer.
