Celtic have confirmed that Darren O’Dea has left his role at the club to take up a new coaching opportunity with Swansea City.
Republic of Ireland’s Darren O’Dea talks to the media after training
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston
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The Championship side has announced that the now former Celtic coach will be their new assistant head coach while Richard Stearman will continue as first-team coach
The former Hoops defender, who had been working within the club’s academy and B team setup, departs after several years helping develop the next generation of talent at Lennoxtown.
O’Dea, who made over 70 appearances for Celtic during his playing career, returned to the club in a coaching capacity after hanging up his boots and quickly established himself as a key figure in the youth structure.
The move will see O’Dea link up with the Swans’ backroom staff ahead of pre-season preparations in Wales.
Highly thought of within the club, O’Dea played a prominent role in shaping Celtic B during their time in the Lowland League and was involved in the development of players who have since gone on to make an impact in the first team or secure moves elsewhere. He most recently served as a pathway manager, trying to bridge the gap between the B Team and the first team.
His departure leaves a vacancy in a key coaching position, with Celtic likely to appoint a replacement.
The club are yet to announce who will step in to fill the void left by O’Dea’s departure.
