One more month - 28/11/2003

With Danny Nardiello returning to Old Trafford, it was up in the air whether I’d be staying or not. In the end, both clubs have agreed a further month’s loan – and I’m happy. I got a great affinity for Swansea, and whilst I’d prefer to be playing in the Premiership, first team football in Division Three beats reserve team football. It’s also nice to know that United don’t want me to stay at the Vetch Field for the full season. So really, there’s a few mixed feelings.

It’s a bit different coming back this time. We’re doing quite well and looking for promotion. Last time it was a different matter – we were at the bottom of the table and it was backs against the walls.  This week we can build on the win at home to Darlington. I’ve been back in the North East before meeting up with the lads today in Wetherby. York will provide tough opposition, they won their last home game against high flying Doncaster – so we know it won’t be easy. On the other hand we need to go to places such York and pick up points.

Lee Trundle’s been picking up a few accolades recently, it’s something that doesn’t surprise me! Having played against him in training and having seen what he’s like on the pitch, I’m sure he’s more than capable of playing at a much higher standard. He’s not the quickest, but he’s strong, has great technical ability, and perhaps more importantly – he knows where the back of the net is. I hope that Swansea will keep hold of him, if they do and can attract one or two others, then the team can go places. Credit to Brian Flynn, he’s done a fantastic job and the future looks so much better than it a did 12 months ago.

BBC Report on the clubs agreeing a further months loan deal…

Swansea director of football Brian Flynn has succeeded in extending Alan Tate's loan deal at the Vetch.

But the defender's Manchester United club-mate Daniel Nardiello has decided to return to the Old Trafford club despite Flynn's attempts to keep the striker for a second month.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has agreed to allow Tate to stay for another month at the Vetch, but has said he does not want the 21-year-old to spend the rest of the season with Swansea.

"I would have loved the chance to have stayed at Swansea for another six months and helped the team move forward," said Tate.

"It's a shame because I love the club, the fans, the city - everything about the place."

Nardiello failed to score during his one month stay with Swansea, but Flynn was impressed with what he saw.

"Danny came down initially for a month because of the injury situation with Lee Trundle and James Thomas," Flynn told BBC Sport.

"Both are now fit and ready to play. Unfortunately we didn't see the best of Danny. We didn't give him enough opportunities to score."

Meanwhile, speculation is also growing that Cardiff midfielder Layton Maxwell will soon be on his way to Swansea.

The 24-year-old former Liverpool and Wales Under-21 player was spotted in the crowd at the Vetch watching the Swans' 1-0 win over Darlington.

"I didn't invite him, but he's obviously come to watch a good team play," said Flynn.

"His situation at Cardiff still hasn't been resolved. I asked his agent to keep me informed and that's still how it stands at the moment."

What is your opinion about this article?
Start a new topic at our forum!