West Brom are finally confirmed as the opponents in the KOL testimonial game

It has long since been anticipated that this was to be the case but it was only confirmed this morning on the official site that the Premiership new boys will arrive for his testimonial match - a week before the start of the season against Charlton.

12 years since making his league debut, O'Leary will celebrate his testimonial in front of a decent sized crowd at the Liberty as he brings to an end his testimonial year(s)

"I'm extremely grateful to West Brom for agreeing to the game,'' explained O'Leary on the official web site. "To celebrate my testimonial is a proud moment for me, my family and friends. But there's nothing as proud as pulling on a Swans shirt, even 12 years on from making my League debut.

"I'm sure the fans will enjoy watching Premiership opposition at the Liberty and it will be a good test for us ahead of the Championship campaign.

"It only seems like yesterday that I first joined the club as a 14 year old,'' reflects O'Leary. "It's hard to imagine that was over 16 years ago.

"I've certainly seen my fair share of managers come and go, probably more than most. At one time at the Vetch we seemed to be changing managers every few weeks.

"There have been times over the years when things haven't worked out for me. But that's when you test yourself,'' he added.

"Some give up when the going gets tough, while others just get on with it. That's me - I get on with it. I train no different whether I'm in the side or not. I'm a great believer in that because if you work hard enough your time will eventually come.''

It has certainly been an eventful 12 years for O'Leary at Swansea - two divisional titles have been mixed in with near relegation to the Conference and of course the dally with bankruptcy at the time of the Tony Petty saga

"The Petty era has been well documented,'' he added. "To be told on Christmas Eve that you are not going to get paid was the lowest of the low, especially when you've got a wife (Claire) and young children (Mia and Kavan) to consider.

"Thinking back to how close the club came to folding is still scary, especially when you consider where we are today - preparing for life in the Championship.''

Details of tickets for the game will be announced in due course - kick off time is 3pm

Photo: Action Images

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