Alan Sheehan Eyes Celtic's Darren O'Dea for Swansea City Assistant Role
Alan Sheehan plans to appoint Celtic's Darren O'Dea as his assistant at Swansea City, aiming to strengthen his coaching team for the upcoming season.


Alan Sheehan is set to bring Celtic's Darren O'Dea to Swansea City as his new assistant coach. Sheehan, who recently secured a permanent position as Swansea's head coach, is looking to bolster his backroom staff during the off-season.
O'Dea, who has been a key figure in Celtic's coaching setup under Brendan Rodgers, has been on Sheehan's radar since February. The 38-year-old, who has a rich playing career spanning clubs like Celtic, Reading, Leeds, and Blackpool, as well as international experience with the Republic of Ireland, is expected to join Swansea as part of a broader reshuffle.
Sheehan has already added former teammates Richard Stearman and Mark Fotheringham to his coaching team on short-term deals in March. However, with the new season approaching, Sheehan is keen to make further adjustments to ensure Swansea is competitive in the Championship.
O'Dea's coaching journey began at Motherwell before he returned to Celtic in 2019. He initially managed the under-18s team before taking charge of Celtic B in 2021 and eventually becoming the player pathway manager in 2024. His extensive experience both on and off the pitch makes him a valuable addition to Sheehan's team.
This potential move highlights Sheehan's strategic approach to building a robust coaching staff, leveraging his connections and understanding of the game to drive Swansea's success in the upcoming season.