Rodgers and Flynn sign up for Tate's testimonial

27th July
Club

Brendan Rodgers is heading back to Swansea City for Alan Tate’s testimonial.

The manager who led the Swans into the Premier League is to take charge of the Swansea City Legends XI alongside the man who brought Tate to SA1, Brian Flynn.

Celtic boss Rodgers will make a flying visit to his former club to play a part as Tate’s Swans side take on a Manchester United Legends XI at the Liberty Stadium on Wednesday, August 9 (7pm).

And he will be joined in the dugout by another key man from the Swans’ past in the shape of Flynn, who masterminded the Swans’ great escape back in 2003.

Rodgers returns to the club where he had a huge impact after getting the top job back in 2010.

The Ulsterman delivered promotion from the Championship in his first season in charge, with Tate a key figure in the side which went up.

The Swans were widely tipped to go straight back down in the following campaign, but Rodgers steered his team to a comfortable mid-table finish – a feat which saw him land the Liverpool job.

The Swans’ Premier League adventure may never have happened but for Flynn, who took over at Vetch Field in September 2002 with the club bottom of the Football League.

Tate was one of the former Welsh international’s first signings, and played a central role in the dramatic battle to avoid relegation to the Conference.

Flynn, who these days is part of the Swans’ scouting team, proved himself a master of the transfer market during his stint at the Vetch.

As well as Tate, he signed the likes of Leon Britton, Roberto Martinez, Andy Robinson and Lee Trundle, all of whom would become hugely influential players.

The five Flynn signings will be involved in Tate’s testimonial, alongside James Thomas, John Williams, Adrian Forbes, Roger Freestone, Angel Rangel and Ferrie Bodde.

The United line-up is being put together by ex-Red Devils midfielder Darren Fletcher, who grew up alongside Tate in the Old Trafford youth ranks.

Tickets for Tate’s testimonial are priced at £12 for adults and £6 for children.

They are available through the Liberty Stadium website here https://www.eticketing.co.uk/ssmc/Events/Index the ticket office in person or by phone on 0844 815 6665.

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