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Former Reading loanee returns to English football with Championship coaching role
General view of play during the Sky Bet Championship match at the Stadium, Swansea. Picture date: Saturday April 5, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Swansea. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE (Image: Steven Paston)
Former Reading defender Darren O'Dea has taken up his first coaching role in the EFL, 16 years on from his first move to English football, with Swansea City.
The 38-year-old former Celtic and Republic of Ireland international moved to Berkshire on loan in 2009.
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Making eight appearances under Brendan Rodgers, the defender enjoyed a strong career with the likes of Ipswich Town, Leeds United and Dundee, as well as spells playing in America, India and Ukraine.
Moving into coaching with boyhood club Celtic, the former Republic of Ireland international returned to Glasgow to take charge of the B-Team, while Rodgers promoted him to Professional Player Pathway manager last year.
He now moves to Wales and has been named number two to Alan Sheehan after impressing as interim coach.
The Swans finished 11th in the Championship last season, seven points outside the play-offs.
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Former Wolves defender Richard Stearman joins O'Dea on the coaching staff.
Sheehan told the club website: 'I am delighted to have Darren and Richard join the coaching staff.
'They are two guys I trust, and who have an incredible work ethic. They have shown a great desire to be here at Swansea City.
'These are exactly the sort of people we need to help us move forward, and I am really happy we have been able to come to an agreement for them to join Swansea City.'
Director of football Richard Montague, said: 'These are two very important appointments, and we are really happy to have reached these agreements in good time before the start of pre-season.
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'They are two coaches with really good ideas we feel can complement what Alan brings to the table as head coach.
'Darren comes to us with an interesting background, with intensive coaching experience and knowledge of the operational side of the game at an elite club. He will add a lot to us on and off the pitch.
'Richard had a great impact in the short time he was working here, the players really enjoyed working with him, and we are excited to see how he grows into a full-time role.'
