After retiring from playing, Tate moved into coaching with Swansea, before joining Nottingham Forest in 2021, before leaving with Steve Cooper in December 2023.

Born in Easington, County Durham,[1] Tate began his career as a trainee at Manchester United, later earning himself a professional contract.

Tate was in the Swansea City team which won the Football League Trophy final against Carlisle United on 2 April 2006.

After the final whistle, he and Lee Trundle were photographed holding a Welsh flag bearing the words "Fuck off Cardiff," which had been handed to them by Swansea supporters.

On 24 June 2006, both players were fined a week's wages and warned as to their future conduct by the Football Association of Wales, having already received police cautions for public order offences.

When former Swansea captain Roberto Martínez took over as the new manager by the 2007–08 season, Tate had lost his place at right-back to new arrival Àngel Rangel.

For the 2010–11 season, under new manager Brendan Rodgers, he resumed his position at left-back, although he has played centre-back ever since Monk got injured in an FA Cup tie against Colchester United on 8 January 2011.

[8] Tate made his comeback as a late substitute for Swansea in their penultimate match of the 2011–12 season at Old Trafford appearing against his former club, Manchester United.

[15] After a falling out with Swansea manager Michael Laudrup,[16] Tate joined Leeds United on loan on 22 November 2012 until January 2013.

[18] Tate received praise for his performance's against Crystal Palace and Leicester City, helping Leeds earn two wins in his first two matches.

[25] On 3 January 2014, Tate joined Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen as an emergency signing to replace recently departed Reading defender Michael Hector, on loan until the end of the 2013–14 season.

[34] In July 2024 Tate was appointed Assistant Manager to Steve Cooper at Premier League club Leicester City.