Swansea City Caretaker Coach O’Dea Discusses Management Transition

Darren O’Dea, currently serving as the caretaker manager of Swansea City, has stated that the club aims to appoint a new head coach “as quickly as possible.” He has made it clear that he does not aspire to be the permanent successor to Alan Sheehan.

Taking charge of the team for the upcoming match against Bristol City on Saturday (12:30 GMT), O’Dea steps in following Sheehan’s dismissal 10 days ago. The former Republic of Ireland defender, who joined Swansea in May as Sheehan’s assistant, remains uncertain about his position for Tuesday’s home game against Derby County.

Initially, Swansea had their sights set on Kim Hellberg, who is now bound for Middlesbrough, as Sheehan’s replacement. The club has since turned its focus to Vitor Matos, but negotiations to secure the Maritimo boss have not yet yielded results.

“The club has been completely transparent with me throughout this process, but they have only communicated the truth: they are working diligently to appoint a new manager,” O’Dea remarked.

“I can assure you that I will not be taking on that role. I do not believe it is appropriate for me to be considered for the head coach position at this time.”

Swansea had hoped to finalize a new managerial appointment before the trip to Ashton Gate. Despite optimism surrounding Hellberg’s potential arrival, Middlesbrough’s recent move for the coach has altered the situation. While Matos was seen as a possible candidate this week, Maritimo’s insistence on activating a one million euros (£881,900) release clause has stalled the process.

O’Dea confirmed that he has been aware for 48 hours that he will lead the team against Bristol City. The 38-year-old will be supported by first-team coaches Richard Stearman and Kristian O’Leary, along with head of goalkeeping Martyn Margetson.

While acknowledging that the ongoing uncertainty can be “unsettling” for the staff, O’Dea stressed that the players must maintain their focus and deliver a strong performance in the match against the Robins.

“I haven’t thought beyond the next 24 hours. However, I firmly believe we need to seize this moment and put forth a commendable performance. The talent within our squad is undeniable, and there is nothing preventing us from securing a victory tomorrow. This is the message I have conveyed to the team,” he added.

Swansea will be without defensive stalwarts Josh Tymon and Ben Cabango, who are suspended after receiving their fifth bookings of the season during a 4-1 defeat to Ipswich, which ultimately led to Sheehan’s departure. Nonetheless, O’Dea reported that there are no additional absentees, with Marko Stamenic in line to play his first match for Swansea since October 25, following the recent loss of his father.

Cabango, who withdrew from the Wales squad last week due to a hip issue, may have the opportunity to feature against Derby.