Ex Celtic star takes interim charge of EFL club - five months after Parkhead exit with manager search 'ongoing'
The Irishman quit his role as Celtic’s ‘Player Pathways Manager’ in the summer
Former Celtic defender and coach Darren O'Dea has been named as Swansea City's interim boss as the Welsh club continue their search for a new permanent manager.
The English Championship side parted ways with head coach Alan Sheehan earlier this month after just over six months in charge, having overseen just four league wins from their opening 15 matches this season - representing the Swans’ lowest return since they were relegated from the Premier League in 2018.
It’s understood the club had hoped to have a new management team in place for Saturday’s trip to Bristol City after initially deciding against appointing a caretaker boss, but No.2 O’Dea has now been handed the reins.
Swansea announced the 20-capped Republic of Ireland international’s temporary promotion on their website. A statement read: “Swansea City can confirm Darren O’Dea will be in interim charge of the men’s first team while the recruitment process for a new head coach remains ongoing.
“The 38-year-old will lead the Swans with the assistance of Martyn Margetson, Kris O’Leary, and Richard Stearman.
“As previously outlined, the club will update supporters further on the head coach recruitment process once an appointment has been made.”
Darren O’Dea placed in charge of Swansea City amid club’s hunt for new boss
O'Dea left his role as ‘professional player pathway manager’ and B-team coach at Celtic to become Sheehan’s assistant in May. He also worked briefly as under-18 head coach at Motherwell and was labelled an “elite coach” by the Welsh club upon his arrival.
O’Dea played 70 times for Celtic's first team, making a name for himself by scoring the winning goal against Rangers in the 2009 League Cup Final at Hampden.
His time in Glasgow’s east end was followed by loan spells south of the border at Reading, Ipswich Town, and Leeds United. In 2012, he made a permanent move to MLS side Toronto FC, before joining Ukrainian outfit Metalurh Donetsk the following year.
Further stints at Blackpool and Mumbai City FC followed before returning to Scotland with Dundee and later finishing his playing career at East Kilbride.
Swansea currently sit 18th in the EFL Championship and have given no indication as to how long O’Dea and his interim coaching staff will remain at the helm.