Planet Swans ArchivesSwansea City’s captain was talking about his vice captain who reaches the landmark against Derby at the Liberty this afternoon.
And whilst Monk was not convinced of the concept of a team of Alan Tates, he was complimentary about his influence on the club since his arrival in South Wales eight years ago.
Monk told the Western Mail “Yeah, we’ve had a few laughs about that song, I think we both agreed it would be a pretty basic side, but it would give you everything.
“He’s someone for kids to look up to here. He knows everything about the club and what it takes to wear the shirt. Just look at how he’s played in so many positions over the years – even in goal – he’s been superb wherever he’s been asked to play. That says everything about his attitude.
“I’m not sure I would have thought that when I first came to the club; he didn’t strike me as someone who was the type to hang around when things weren’t going his way. But I’ve got to know him more since then and seen him grow up a lot as a player as well as a person.
“We all make mistakes when we’re young and Tatey was the same, but he’s taken responsibility for himself.
“It can be easy to blame everyone else, but he’s realised what it takes to be part of a winning side, learned his lessons and added to his game. You have to learn quick in this game and we’re lucky to have a player who has that experience.”
