Darren O’Dea named interim boss as Swansea eye Russell Martin return | OneFootball

Former Celtic defender and coach Darren O’Dea has been appointed interim manager of Swansea City following the exit of Alan Sheehan…

Darren O’Dea at Celtic Park. Photo Celtic FC

Darren O’Dea departed Celtic in the summer to work alongside his compatriot Sheehan, but the Swansea manager was dismissed last week after a disappointing start to their English Championship campaign.

Given Celtic’s managerial circumstances just now, McManus is interim first-team coach and Johnny Hayes is temporary B team coach.

O’Dea made 70 appearances for Celtic, netting six goals, one of which was a decisive header against theRangers in the 2009 League Cup Final at Hampden.

Now, Swansea announced O’Dea’s interim appointment in a brief update on their official website, stating: “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.

Darren O’Dea of Celtic celebrates with Derek Riordan (L) after scoring during the Scottish Premier League match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park January 2, 2007. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

“The 38-year-old will lead the Swans following the departure of head coach Alan Sheehan, and will be assisted by 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.”

Following loan stints with Reading, Ipswich Town and Leeds United, the Republic of Ireland centre-back moved permanently to MLS outfit Toronto FC in 2012, then switched to Ukrainian club Metalurh Donetsk a year later.

15/03/09 LEAGUE CUP FINAL 2009 CELTIC v RANGERS (0-0, 2-0 aet) Celtic goalscorers Aiden McGeady (left) and Darren O’Dea celebrate with the trophy

O’Dea later had spells with Blackpool and Mumbai City FC, returned to Scotland with Dundee, and wrapped up his playing career at East Kilbride before beginning his coaching journey at Motherwell in 2019. Between 2009 and 2013, he made 20 appearances for the Republic of Ireland national team.

He will now be managing ex-Celtic striker Adam Idah until Swansea find a new manager.

theRangers manager Russell Martin. St Mirren v theRangers, 24 August 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Speculation has been mounting around former Ibrox boss Russell Martin potentially returning to Swansea. Martin was also apparently in the mix for the Norwich City job, but Philippe Clement is the new Canaries manager.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties, Vol 1. published by Celtic Star Books,  Click on image to order from Celticstarbooks.com

Celtic in the Thirties, Vol 1. published by Celtic Star Books, click on the image to order from Celticstarbooks.com

More Stories / Latest News

Darren O’Dea named interim boss as Swansea eye Russell Martin return

Nov 21 2025, 8:04

Celtic’s second-biggest investor further decreases shareholding

Nov 21 2025, 7:47

Daizen Maeda appears to shut down January Celtic exit claims

Nov 20 2025, 21:51