Swansea City Manager Targets Celtic’s Darren O’Dea as Backroom Team Shake-Up Looms
Swansea City appears set for significant changes behind the scenes, with manager Alan Sheehan reportedly seeking to strengthen his coaching staff ahead of the forthcoming Championship season. Among his prime targets is the highly-rated Celtic coach Darren O’Dea, in a move that signals Sheehan’s intent to bring fresh vigour and experience to the Liberty Stadium dugout.
Sheehan, who recently secured Swansea’s managerial role on a full-time basis after an impressive interim tenure, had previously allied himself with assistant coaches Mark Fotheringham and Richard Stearman. However, speculation is growing around their future at the club, as Sheehan has openly admitted that further evolution of the backroom team is expected in the next few weeks.
Darren O’Dea, a former Republic of Ireland international capped 20 times, has drawn considerable praise for his work within Celtic’s academy and coaching structure. Most recently, O’Dea has served as the professional pathway manager at Parkhead, following a stint overseeing the Celtic B team before his promotion in April. His reputation within Scottish football circles is strong, with many regarding him as a progressive, up-and-coming coach capable of making an impact at a higher level.
The pursuit of O’Dea is not entirely new for Sheehan. Reports suggest that during his caretaker period last season, Sheehan had already made efforts to persuade his compatriot to join him in South Wales. At the time, uncertainties over Sheehan’s own role appeared to scupper any meaningful negotiations. Now, with his position secured for the next three years, the Swansea boss has revived his interest, determined to finalise a deal with the 38-year-old coach.
O’Dea started his coaching career after retiring as a player at Motherwell, though he is perhaps best remembered for his spells as a Celtic player, where he first made his mark. His expertise in nurturing young talent has positioned him as a key figure within the Glaswegian club’s development pathways. Though there has been previous interest from other Scottish sides, he has, until now, remained loyal to Celtic.
Should Swansea manage to tempt O’Dea to the Championship, it would represent a considerable appointment, blending youthful coaching insight with professional playing experience at international and top-tier club levels. This possible acquisition underlines Sheehan’s determination to assemble a dynamic team around him as he embarks on his first full campaign in charge.
Speaking about his current backroom setup, Sheehan acknowledged the contributions of Fotheringham and Stearman, commenting that both have shown unwavering commitment to Swansea City during his interim spell. “They gave me their word and lived up to it and have exceeded my expectations,” he stated, while hinting that some transitions may be necessary for the club’s future ambitions. Sheehan described the process as ongoing, suggesting that public announcements regarding the backroom team could be expected as the summer progresses.
In addition to his assistants, Sheehan also emphasised the positive bond among other staff members, notably Kris O’Leary, but seemed resolute that adaptation and change underpin his vision for bringing Swansea City forward. This philosophy is reflected in his proactive search for fresh talent to reinforce his management team.
For Swansea supporters, the off-season promises to be a period of anticipation as Sheehan lays the groundwork for the next chapter in the club’s Championship journey. The potential arrival of Darren O’Dea would undoubtedly signal a clear statement of intent, underscoring Swansea’s ambition to rebuild and compete at the top end of the division. As developments unfold, all eyes will be on the Liberty Stadium for formal announcements and further updates on the club’s evolving coaching and management structure.