Darren O’Dea Addresses Coaching Transition at Swansea City

Darren O’Dea, who has not previously managed a senior team, stated that Swansea City aims to appoint a new head coach “as quickly as possible.” However, he firmly clarified that he will not be the permanent successor to Alan Sheehan, who was recently dismissed from his role.

O’Dea is set to lead Swansea in their upcoming match against Bristol City on Saturday (12:30 GMT), following Sheehan’s sacking ten days ago. The former Republic of Ireland defender joined Swansea in May as Sheehan’s assistant and is uncertain whether he will remain in charge for the following home game against Derby.

Initially, Swansea targeted Kim Hellberg, who is bound for Middlesbrough, as Sheehan’s replacement. Subsequently, they shifted their focus to Vitor Matos, but negotiations to secure the Maritimo boss have yet to yield results.

“The club has been entirely transparent with me throughout this process, consistently communicating their intention to move quickly to bring in a new manager,” O’Dea remarked. “I can assure you that I will not be taking on that role; I am not part of the selection process.”

Swansea had hoped to have a new manager appointed before their trip to Ashton Gate. There was optimism surrounding Hammarby coach Hellberg, but Middlesbrough’s recent interest complicated matters. Meanwhile, Matos’s potential arrival has stagnated, with Maritimo insisting that a release clause of one million euros (£881,900) be activated for his departure.

O’Dea indicated that he had been aware for 48 hours of his upcoming responsibilities against Bristol City. He will be supported by first-team coaches Richard Stearman and Kristian O’Leary, along with head of goalkeeping Martyn Margetson.

The 38-year-old acknowledged that the ongoing uncertainty might be “unsettling” for the staff but stressed that the players must perform against the Robins. “I haven’t considered anything beyond the next 24 hours. However, we need to capitalize on this opportunity and deliver a strong performance. The talent within our squad is undeniable, and I have communicated that to the players,” he added.

Swansea will face the challenge of missing defensive regulars Josh Tymon and Ben Cabango due to suspensions resulting from their fifth bookings in the 4-1 defeat to Ipswich, which led to Sheehan’s exit.

Despite these absences, O’Dea confirmed that there are no other significant injuries, with Marko Stamenic in contention to make his first appearance for Swansea since October 25, after recently experiencing the loss of his father. Cabango, who withdrew from the Wales squad last week due to a hip issue, may also be available for the match against Derby.