We couldn’t be happier for Ben, says Tate

28th July
First team
Forest Green Ben Lloyd 1

Alan Tate was delighted for Ben Lloyd, after the 16-year-old scored within seconds of making his first appearance for the Swansea City senior side in the friendly win at Forest Green.

The teenage midfielder’s strike proved to be the winner in a 2-1 victory for the Swans at The New Lawn.

Seconds after replacing Liam Walsh with a little over 20 minutes to go, Lloyd ran on to a pass from Jake Bidwell, took a touch and fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net.

It is a moment Lloyd, who had his name sung by the 269 travelling Jack in attendance, will surely always remember.

And Tate, who coached the youngster during his time working in the academy set-up, wore a beaming smile as he reflected on the clinching goal.

Forest Green Ben Lloyd

“It was an unbelievable moment and we couldn’t be happier for Ben,” said Tate.

”He is a good lad, who comes from a good family, and we hope he is going to be a regular here in the future.

“He is a good player but we do need to calm the hype around him. 

“He did well tonight and it was a good little 20-minute cameo for him. 

“He is a good player and a good lad, and I am sure he will not sleep tonight!

“He is someone I have known since he was 14 and he has always had ability.

“Before he came on I told him to go on and enjoy himself, and to do the things he has been doing for the under-18s and under-23s.

”Little did I know his first touch would be with his right to control it and then fire it into the top corner with his left!

“But that’s what is great about young players. They excite you and they will climb a mountain for you.

“My background as a player was at Manchester United where there was an ethos that if you are good enough you are old enough, and no matter what I do that is always something I will stick by.”