FORMER Celtic defender Darren O’Dea is just one of SEVENTEEN players released by cash-strapped Blackpool.
The Republic of Ireland star, 28, joined the Seasiders in December last year after being released by Ukrainian outfit Metalurh Donetsk with two seasons of his contract still to run.
However, the 20-times capped centre-half joined the mass exodus at the stricken club who have just dropped into the third tier of the English league’
O’Dea spent seven years at Parkhead and had loans spells at Reading, Ipswich and Leeds before joining MLS side Toronto FC in May 2012.
The troubles in the Ukraine hastened his return to the UK. He kept in shape while training with Ronny Deila’s squad at Lennoxtown before agreeing a deal with Blackpool.
Full-back Andre Blackman, who played three games for the Hoops in the 2011/12 season and turned out twice while on loan at Inverness Caley Thistle, was also freed.
