Former Old Trafford prodigy settles at Swansea and predictably enjoys spending time on the ball – no bad thing for a defender
A trainee at Manchester United, Tate ended up captaining United’s not inconsiderable reserve side.
However, with his chances of making the first-team blocked by multi-million pound superstars, he joined Swansea on loan and played a major role as the club kept their place in the Football League in 2002/03.
He signed for the Swans permanently in February 2004. Though initially a centre-half, his assurance on the ball meant he could switch easily to right-back and he has even featured in the centre of midfield on occasions. His versatility helped him claim the club's Player Of The Year award in 2005/06.
A former club captain, he played an integral part as the Swans emerged as one of League One’s best teams but missed the decisive penalty in the 2006 League One Play-Off final shootout against Barnsley. In 2007/08, he was restricted to 18 starts as the club won promotion to the Championship.