FORMER Celtic defender and coach Darren O’Dea has been confirmed as interim boss of Swansea City.
The one-time Republic of Ireland international centre-back takes over from Alan Sheehan who was sacked earlier this month with the club in 18th place in the Championship after just four wins from their opening 15 league games.
O’Dea, who joined the Welsh outfit in the summer after quitting as the Hoops’ Professional Player Pathways Manager, will be in the dug-out for the team’s match against Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday.
The club announced the appointment in a statement that 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.”
O’Dea, who made 70 appearances for the Parkhead side and was capped 20 times for his country, also had a spell as head coach of Celtic B before his role was switched to Stephen McManus.
The highlight of his career was scoring in the team’s 2-0 League Cup win over Rangers at Hampden in 2009 with Aiden McGeady netting the other goal from the penalty spot.
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