Rodgers a 'big driver' in O'Dea's Swansea move
Darren O'Dea says Brendan Rodgers played a pivotal role in his decision to leave Celtic to become assistant head coach at Swansea City.
Former Republic of Ireland international O'Dea held the role of player pathway manager with ex-Swans boss Rodgers' side but has now linked up with compatriot Alan Sheehan at the Swansea.com Stadium.
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"This club is similar to Celtic in that it has a real identity, it is not just enough to come in here and just win, there needs to be more. There needs to be a product on the pitch that the fans relate to," said O'Dea.
"Speaking to Brendan, who has been brilliant in all this, he talked about the fanbase having a big understanding of their football.
"He could not have spoken more highly of the club and the city, and the DNA of the club.
"That is a real big driver in me wanting to come here, it's really important to me."
Following Luke Williams' exit in February, Swansea collected 24 points from 13 matches at a rate of 1.85 points per game under Sheehan last season, the joint-third highest points tally in the Championship over that period.
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And O'Dea says he regularly watched Swansea last term as part of his role with Celtic.
"The guys here did a fantastic job over the final part of last season, I watched a number of games last season while I was at Celtic as it was part of my responsibilities to be monitoring and watching football across Europe," he added.
"I am well versed in what the team looks like, and the players, I am looking forward to getting to know them."
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