Club icon Tate to spend 6 months at Huish park in bid to enjoy regular game-time
Alan Tate has today joined Yeovil Town on loan until January the 2nd, and goes straight into the squad for tonight's friendly match against Exeter. Tate had been quite open about his desire to stay at the Swans (going as far as to tell one fan "I'm not going anywhere!" when he was wished good luck wherever he may end up), and given his long-standing relationship with the club there's no reason to assume we've seen the last of Alan Tate. I can't see him falling in love with another club to the point where he doesn't fancy returning to SA1, and given our preference to employ ex-players in off-field roles I'd imagine he'll end up on the coaching staff at some point in the future.
His current still runs until the summer of 2015, and he's still only 30, so I don't think he'll be hanging up his boots any time soon, however he clearly loves it in South Wales and I see no problem with him sticking around. Obviously you don't know where life will take you, and Tate may yet still depart on a permanent basis, but for now his priority will be giving his all to Yeovil Town FC. He's always played with his heart on his sleeve, and playing regular football will, despite any misgivings about leaving the Swans, be an attractive proposition after a few seasons of mostly watching from the sidelines.
All the best Alan, you certainly deserve it!
Wilfried Bony granted work permit for move to South Wales
Somewhat earlier than expected, international clearance has been granted to £12million club-record signing Wilfried Bony, and he's been given the green light to join up with his team-mates on the Welsh Riviera. I'm hoping the weather holds out for a few days so he falls in love with the place a bit, but more important will be how he bonds with his new team-mates. Hopefully he'll be up to speed in time for the Reading game this Saturday, as no doubt fans are eager to see him in action, but you'd imagine he'll definitely start in next week's Europa League qualifier against either Hibs or Malmo.
Welcome to Swansea, Wilfried! If you come anywhere near replicating your goal:game ratio from last season, we'll be very happy campers indeed.