O'Dea in charge with Swansea boss search 'ongoing'

Darren O'Dea played for a number of clubs including Celtic, Leeds United and Ipswich Town

Assistant boss Darren O'Dea has been placed in "interim charge" of Swansea City as the Welsh club's wait to appoint a permanent successor to Alan Sheehan continues.

Swansea have been in talks over a deal to make Maritimo's Vitor Matos their new head coach having missed out on top target Kim Hellberg.

However, the Matos negotiations have so far proved unsuccessful.

Swansea had hoped to have a new management team in place for Saturday's trip to Bristol City having sacked Sheehan nine days ago.

Swansea did not initially appoint a caretaker boss following Sheehan's departure, but now say O'Dea, his number two, has taken the reins.

"Swansea City can confirm Darren O'Dea will be in interim charge of the men's first team while the recruitment process for a new head coach remains ongoing," a club statement said.

"The 38-year-old will lead the Swans following the departure of head coach Alan Sheehan, and will be assisted by Martyn Margetson, Kris O'Leary and Richard Stearman.

"As previously outlined, the club will update supporters further on the head coach recruitment process once an appointment has been made."

O'Dea left his role as professional player pathway manager and B team coach at Celtic to become Sheehan's number two in May.

The former Republic of Ireland defender worked briefly as under-18 coach at Motherwell before taking the same role at Celtic in 2019.

O'Dea has never managed a team at senior level.

Stearman – who was also brought to Swansea by Sheehan – and club stalwart O'Leary were first-team coaches under Sheehan, while Margetson is the club's head of goalkeeping.

Swansea, who are 18th in the Championship having won only one of their past seven league games, have given no indication as to how long the interim coaching team will remain at the helm.

The Swans host Derby County next Tuesday before a trip to West Brom the following Saturday.

Swansea initially targeted Hellberg as a replacement for Sheehan but the Swede is instead set to be named Middlesbrough boss.

Former Liverpool coach Matos then became the leading contender to take over at Swansea, but they have been unable to agree a deal for the 37-year-old Portuguese.

Matos signed a two-year contract at Maritimo in the summer.