Celtic coach Darren O'Dea poised to QUIT Parkhead to take job at Championship club
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
SWANSEA CITY have launched a move to land Celtic's Darren O'Dea as their assistant manager.
SunSport understands the ambitious Championship club have headhunted the Irishman to be new gaffer Alan Sheehan's No2.
Sign up for the Celtic newsletter
Sign up
3
Swansea City manager Alan Sheehan
Credit: Getty
3
Darren O'Dea
Credit: Kenny Ramsay
3
Fans at the Liberty stadum in Swansea
The Swans are under new ownership - with Real Madrid legend Luka Modric heavily involved - and are building towards a return to the Premier League.
O'Dea, currently professional player pathway manager at Parkhead, is wanted as a key part of their promotion push alongside fellow Irishman Sheehan.
The 38-year-old was boss of the Celtic B team before being given a crucial behind-the-scenes role at Parkhead last April.
O'Dea has worked closely with Hoops head of football operations Paul Tisdale - but will now be handed a chance to return to coaching at Swansea.
Read More Football Stories
ITALIAN JOB Celtic ace Reo Hatate eyed for stunning Serie A move as Hoops face big decision
The Welsh side have been under new ownership since last November and Modric recently became involved as an investor and co-owner.
Capped 20 times by the Republic of Ireland, O'Dea began his career at Celtic and had spells with various clubs in Britain and abroad.
He started out coaching at Motherwell before returning to Celtic and progressing through different roles.
Highly-rated as a coach, O'Dea has been chased by several Scottish clubs in the past - but has elected to stay at Parkhead.
However, Swansea will make him a big offer to become No 2 and the chance to work with the ambitious Championship outfit could be too good to turn down.
Sickening moment Celtic fan mocks Ibrox disaster during Hoops' Old Firm clash against Rangers
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BreakingNews.ie
36 minutes ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Sunday sport: Donegal face Mayo, Tyrone go up against Cavan
Action continues today in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship as things heat up in Group 1, where all four teams can both progress and be eliminated. Donegal and Mayo face off at Dr Hyde Park from 4pm, while at the same time, Tyrone come up against Cavan at Brewster Park. Advertisement Before that, the top spot in Group 3 is up for grabs in the game between Monaghan and Down. Throw in at the Athletic Grounds is at 2pm, with Louth going up against Clare at the same time. Meanwhile, the semi-final line up of the Tailteann Cup will be revealed later. From 1:15pm, Wicklow will take on Westmeath, with Limerick at home to Wexford at 3:45pm. Golf Sam Burns is the man to catch into the final round of the US Open at Oakmont. He is 4 under par, just a shot off Adam Scott and JJ Spaun. Rory McIlroy well off it on 10 over par. Athletics Ireland's Sophie O'Sullivan has claimed a stunning victory at the NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Oregon. The 23-year-old stormed to gold in the women's 1,500 metres, clocking 4:07.94 after a blistering final lap of 58.43 seconds. O'Sullivan becomes just the fifth Irish woman to win an NCAA title, following in the footsteps of her mother, Sonia. Meanwhile, Rhasidat Adeleke returns to action this evening at the Stockholm Diamond League. The Dublin woman will line up in the 400 metres at 6pm Irish time.
Daily Mirror
40 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Inter Milan star stuck in Iran amid Israel conflict and will miss Club World Cup
Mehdi Taremi played for Iran on Tuesday in a World Cup qualifier but the Inter Milan forward is now grounded in Tehran with air space closed as conflict with Israel escalates Mehdi Taremi has been unable to join his Inter Milan team-mates for the Club World Cup having been grounded in Iran, with air space closed during the escalating conflict with Israel. The forward scored for Iran in their 3-0 World Cup qualifier against North Korea in Tehran on Tuesday night and was meant to join his club in Los Angeles on Saturday ahead of their Group E opener against Monterrey, which kicks off at 2am BST on Wednesday. But he is stranded in his home nation and Italian media reports say the 32-year-old is now no longer expected to link up with Inter for the FIFA tournament - regardless of whether Iranian air space reopens. Flights have been grounded since Israel launched a military operation on Thursday targeting nuclear sites and several Iranian commanders. They have since retaliated, targeting Tel Aviv, with dozens of people reported dead. Taremi signed for Inter from Porto last year and made 26 appearances in Serie A this season, though only seven of those were starts as the Milan side finished second behind Napoli. He also played a dozen times in their Champions League run but was an unused substitute for their 5-0 humbling at the hands of Paris Saint Germain in the final. Inter also face Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds and South African giants River Plate in the group stage of the new and controversial 32-team tournament which runs until July 14. The Serie A side are joined by domestic rivals and 10 other European sides, with the Premier League represented by Chelsea and Manchester City. Despite a £775m prize fund on offer, with the winners set to bank close to £100m for seven games of work, many players have complained about having to participate in a tournament scheduled for what is typically their brief off-season. The tournament began at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday night with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami playing out an insipid scoreless draw against Al Ahly.
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
12 brilliant SUP paddleboarding locations to try in Wales
12 brilliant SUP paddleboarding locations to try in Wales What could be better than getting a core workout on the water whilst watching the world go by? Wales is home to some superb paddleboarding hotspots (Image: Portia Jones ) Stand-up paddleboarding (or SUP), has exploded in popularity in recent years and is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the UK. What could be better than getting a core workout on the water whilst watching the world go by? The benefit of a SUP sesh is that it's a fun, low-impact activity that can be enjoyed solo (for pro paddlers), with family and friends and is suited to most fitness levels. Wales is home to some superb paddleboarding hotspots, including charming canals, rivers and dramatic coastlines. With so many scenic locations to choose from, there's surely an ideal SUP spot near you. In this guide, we'll show you some of the best places where you can give paddleboarding a try in Wales and also give advice on how to stay safe and minimise your impact on the environment. Ready? Hop on board. Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal This is one of my favourite spots to SUP (Image: Portia Jones ) Winding its leafy way through the Welsh countryside, the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is often dubbed one of Britain's prettiest paddles, and for good reason. It stretches a whopping 35 miles from Brecon down to the Five Locks Basin in Cwmbran, with a further seven miles of unnavigable canal to Newport on the main line and seven miles to Cwmcarn on the Crumlin Arm. Article continues below Up north, the canal is in the capable hands of Glandŵr Cymru (aka the Canal & River Trust in Wales), while the lower stretches, from Pontypool south, are looked after by a trio of local councils: Torfaen, Newport, and Caerphilly. It's a bit of a patchwork, but it all comes together to create one seriously scenic waterway, largely thanks to tireless volunteers and campaigners. You can go on a guided paddleboarding tour between Five Locks and Pontymoile with the pros at Sup Hike Explore, a relatively new outdoor company specialising in guided SUP trips in locations across Wales. The Five Locks to Pontymoile route is one of several guided trips Kris offers to aspiring and experienced paddlers who want to SUP with a pro. This scenic section is a boater's favourite and a paddleboarder's playground. It's packed with bridges and tunnels where you'll need to drop to your knees, flick on your headtorch, and stay on your board while navigating in the dark. You'll also spot kingfishers and herons and even a few non-native terrapins as you glide along. Pop in for a pint at the waterside Open Hearth Pub and grab lunch at The Canal Boat Café. Read my full review of paddleboarding on this pretty canal here. The River Wye Stretching 134 miles and traversing the border of Wales and England, the River Wye offers relaxed paddleboarding in scenic surroundings. (Image: Portia Jones ) Stretching 134 miles and traversing the border of Wales and England, the River Wye offers relaxed paddleboarding in scenic surroundings. The Wye is one of the few rivers that's easily navigable by canoe or kayak for over 100 miles, with long stretches that are perfect for stand-up paddleboard (SUP) adventures. Along the Wye, paddleboarders can opt for half-day, full-day, or multi-day trips, depending on their experience level. One of the most picturesque paddle routes for adventurous paddlers is from Monmouth to Ross on Wye in England. This two-day trip takes paddlers past cosy, riverside pubs, wooded valleys and a plethora of wildlife. First-time paddle boarders might want to book a guided river trip or a taster session with qualified professionals. Inspire2adventure offers SUP basics on the Wye as well as a 'mega sup', which can hold eight people for a unique family day out. Lake Vrynwy While you can't swim in the reservoir (shame as it looks so inviting), you can hop on a SUP board or a kayak and paddle around the still waters (Image: Portia Jones ) Lake Vrynwy is an excellent place to SUP or hike through the 24,000-acre RSPB Reserve, with viewpoints and hides around the lake offering opportunities to observe the amazing variety of birds and scenery. This under-the-radar destination in Powys, with a forest-hugged reservoir, is packed with hiking trails and wildlife and is where you can try watersports on serene waters. While you can't swim in the reservoir (shame as it looks so inviting), you can hop on a SUP board or a kayak and paddle around the still waters. Bethania Adventure is situated on the opposite side of the lake from the hotel and offers rentals of canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and a sailboat. Prices start from £15 for a SUP board and £20 per hour for a double kayak. After your paddle, head to Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa for a pint on the terrace overlooking the reservoir. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Cardiff Bay Experience a unique perspective of Cardiff Bay and its waterways by joining a Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) experience at the Cardiff International White Water Centre (CIWW). (Image: Portia Jones ) Experience a unique perspective of Cardiff Bay and its waterways by joining a Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) experience at the Cardiff International White Water Centre (CIWW). There's a range of taster sessions, courses, SUP yoga and socials at this dynamic water sports hub in the city. Glide through a lively cityscape on your SUP board past bridges, residential flats and the striking Principality Stadium as you paddle down urban rivers. Want to launch your SUP on the Rivers Taff and Ely? Ensure that you only launch from Cardiff Harbour Authority-approved sites. Also, ensure that you've completed an approved 'Intro To SUP' course before you take to the water. Looking to SUP with new friends? Cardiff SUP Social sessions are for paddlers who know their way around a T-grip and depart from the Cardiff International White Water centre in Cardiff Bay, led by a qualified professional. In the summer, these social SUP sessions leave CIWW on Wednesday evenings 6-8pm and on Saturday or Sunday mornings, when the wind and water quality in the bay allow. Contact CIWW directly to book onto the SUP Social sessions Book now! Bala Lake Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid) at sunset (Image: Visit Wales ) Beautiful Bala Lake [Llyn Tegid] is Wales' largest natural lake at over four miles long and a mile wide. Full of local legends, it's situated in the 'Lake District' of southern Snowdonia and boasts the most inviting, clear water for paddling. The lake is famed for its impressive mountain scenery, rare wildlife and excellent fishing opportunities. In addition to being a SUP hub, the lake also offers outdoor enthusiasts plenty of opportunities for sailing, canoeing, and wild swimming. Looking to hire a SUP? Bala Watersports provide SUP equipment hire for pros and instruction for aspiring paddlers. Don't forget to obtain your lake permit from the Lake Warden's Centre before launch. The Lake Warden can request to see permits at any time, so be prepared. Milford Haven At Milford Beach Activity Centre, you can experience stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking from the Hot Water Slip a (Image: Portia Jones ) From a 17th-century Quaker whaling town and shipbuilding outpost to a modern marina, Milford Haven is now a chic destination with a renovated waterfront packed with indie shops and restaurants and has watersports that launch from the harbour. At Milford Beach Activity Centre, you can experience stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking from the Hot Water Slip and explore the historic Milford Haven Waterway shorelines surrounding Milford Haven. This local business operates out of a blue shipping container overlooking Milford Beach, offering guided tours, stand-up paddleboard rentals, and kayak hire. Go on a guided tour of the estuary with their experienced guides to gain a deeper understanding of the area's history, including the Vikings who settled here, the Welsh fishing industry, the town's military connections, and its past industries. Mawddach Estuary, Barmouth This picture-perfect estuary offers ideal paddleboarding conditions in Barmouth, set against a mountainous backdrop. (Image: Daily Post Wales ) The River Mawddach meets the sea at the sandy bays of the Mawddach Estuary. This picture-perfect estuary offers ideal paddleboarding conditions in Barmouth, set against a mountainous backdrop. Launch your SUP board and soak up the delicious views of the harbour, Southern Eryri peaks and the Grade II* listed railway viaduct. SUP Barmouth offer a range of stand-up paddleboard lessons and tours in Barmouth Harbour and the Mawddach Estuary and caters for all ages, including beginners and seasoned paddle pros. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire Barafundle Bay (Image: Getty Images ) Popular Barafundle Bay is regularly listed as one of the top beaches in the world and is a superb place to SUP in Pembrokeshire. This secluded beach can be a challenging place to paddle as it's only accessible on foot. The crystal-clear blue waters and golden sands are definitely worth the trip, though. Keep your eye out for a wealth of wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and basking sharks as you merrily SUP along. Outer Reef Surf School offers a guided paddle trip from Stackpole Quay to Barafundle Bay, taking paddlers past epic cliffs and caves in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Drawing on 25 years of local expertise, these SUP pros have crafted exclusive SUP routes that showcase Pembrokeshire's hidden treasures. Sup beyond the typical tourist trails, revealing secluded coves and pristine waterways that most visitors never discover. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced paddleboarder, their ISA-qualified instructors ensure a safe, enriching adventure suitable for all skill levels. Llandegfedd Lake Llandegfedd Reservoir (Image: Crown Copyright / Visit Wales ) Llandegfedd Lake is a spectacular 434-acre reservoir with a water sports and visitor centre on-site. Set amongst the rolling hills of the Usk valley, you'll find an array of activities at the Welsh Water-owned and operated lake, including paddle sports, sailing and open water swimming. The lake is fully equipped for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) activities and even features changing rooms with hot showers, as well as a café where you can grab a post-paddle brew. Paddle pros can launch their own SUP board on the lake, and there's also a brand-new SUP kit available for hire. For beginners, Llandegfedd offer expert tuition and courses to get your paddle skills up to scratch. Llangorse Lake Paddleboarding on Llangorse Lake (Image: Portia Jones ) Llangorse Lake is in the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons National Park) and is known for being the largest natural lake in South Wales. Here, you can try your hand at fishing, canoeing, sailing and now paddleboarding in an idyllic setting. In addition to being incredibly scenic, the lake is also rich in nutrients, supporting a diverse range of aquatic plants and wildlife. Whether you explore the area by SUP or on foot, there are plenty of natural wonders to observe here. The lake is privately owned, and you'll need to buy a pass to SUP with your own board. Alternatively, seasonal SUP passes are also available onsite at the Caravan Park Shop. Lakeside Boat Hire has SUP boards for hire, so you can discover the natural wonders of the lake without breaking the bank. Cardigan Bay SUP life in Cardigan Bay (Image: Keith Morris ) SUP alongside seals and dolphins in the marine life haven, Cardigan Bay in Ceredigion. Check the conditions before setting out to ensure it's calm enough to float around the coast and explore secluded bays. Coastlines and river estuaries in the area offer a variety of stand-up paddleboard (SUP) routes for experienced paddle enthusiasts. Discover Cardigan's Celtic Routes and heritage along the way with abandoned limekilns and hillforts as you gracefully glide around the peninsula, hopefully spotting lots of wildlife. Cardigan Bay Watersports offers paddleboard hire and lessons for first-timers, utilising Red Paddleboards for tuition, which generally provide good SUP stability. The Gower Peninsula The Gower coastline is a perfect place to try your hand at paddleboarding if there is no swell and low winds. (Image: Portia Jones ) The Gower coastline is a perfect place to try your hand at paddleboarding if there is no swell and low winds. There are a few gorgeous Gower spots where you can launch your SUP, including Caswell Bay, Mumbles and Langland Bay. Crashing waves and tidal patterns make paddleboarding on the coast a tad more challenging than on lakes and rivers, so be fully prepared. If you're new to paddleboarding, check out guided trips or courses before heading to the beach with your board so that you stay safe on the choppy waters. Stand Up Paddle Gower offers a range of courses and trips along the Gower coastline, where you'll explore parts of the coastline you've never seen before. These SUP tours are suitable for paddlers with a relatively 'good' level of fitness and experience in a variety of conditions, or who have at least had a few lessons or have paddled with them on SUP CLUB jaunts. After a SUP sesh, have lunch at Rok Restaurant in Bracelet Bay. On the menu you'll find beautifully presented small plates of goat's cheese and grilled pea asparagus, salt & vinegar monkfish scampi, lemon mayonnaise and Pembrokeshire potato salad with new season greens. How to Get Started with SUP and how to stay safe Anything involving water can turn risky if you don't take the right precautions and are not fully prepared (Image: The Lake ) Stand-up paddleboarding is a brilliant way to get out on the water and enjoy the outdoors, and it's generally a safe sport suited to a wide range of ages and abilities. But anything involving water can turn risky if you don't take the right precautions and are not fully prepared. Getting into a safety-first mindset before you even step on your board is a smart move and can make all the difference. To help you paddle with confidence, we've put together some easy tips on kit, safety and what to know before you set off Kit You'll Need Types of paddleboards: Touring boards – longer and designed for covering distances efficiently. Inflatable boards – easy to store and carry; perfect for most paddlers. Hard boards – offer better performance but are heavier and less portable. All-round boards – stable and ideal for beginners or casual paddling. Touring boards – longer and designed for covering distances efficiently. Inflatable boards – easy to store and carry; perfect for most paddlers. Hard boards – offer better performance but are heavier and less portable. All-round boards – stable and ideal for beginners or casual paddling. Essential items: Adjustable paddle Leash (always use one) Buoyancy aid or personal flotation device (PFD) Waterproof case for your phone Appropriate clothing for the water temperature Dry bag for spare kit or snacks Staying Safe on the Water Why not join a SUP social? (Image: Mark Lewis ) Always use a paddleboard with a leash – it keeps you attached to your board if you fall off. Wear a personal flotation device that allows you to move freely while paddling. One person per board – don't share unless you are taking part in an organised 'mega SUP' session. Take your mobile in a waterproof case – if you're in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Paddleboarding with a friend is safer and more fun. Going solo? Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. Check the weather and tide times before you set off. Paddleboards are easily blown offshore. Give your board and gear a quick safety check before you head out. Ensure everything is in good condition. If you're new to paddleboarding, book a taster session or a course to learn the basics. Got Your Own Board? If you're paddling on canals, rivers, or lakes in England and Wales, you'll need a waterways licence for areas managed by the Canal & River Trust and other authorities. You can get one from Paddle Cymru. Article continues below A Paddle Cymru membership gives you an annual waterways licence, so you're covered to paddle on licensed waters across England and Wales. It also provides up-to-date information on where to paddle, what to expect on the water, and downloadable route guides.
