Darren O’Dea, assistant manager of Swansea City, has been appointed to take “interim charge” while the club searches for a permanent replacement for Alan Sheehan.
The club has engaged in discussions to bring in Vitor Matos from Maritimo as their new head coach, after failing to secure their top choice Kim Hellberg, who is expected to join Middlesbrough.
However, negotiations with Matos have not yet been fruitful, as Maritimo released a statement on Thursday confirming their head coach will only leave if a one million euros (£881,900) release clause is met.
“The board of Maritimo, Madeira confirms that Vitor Matos will remain at the club, despite interest from other organizations,” read the statement on the club’s website.
“President Carlos Andre Gomes recognizes the interest generated by the manager’s quality of work but emphasizes that the club’s rights are protected.
“It is natural for there to be interest in Vitor Matos, reflecting the excellence of his work and his satisfaction with the project.”
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“The club highlights that Matos’ departure will only occur if the release clause of one million euros is fully paid, without any exceptions or negotiations.”
Swansea had hoped to finalize a new management team ahead of Saturday’s match against Bristol City, following the sacking of Sheehan nine days ago.
Initially, the club did not appoint a caretaker, but has now confirmed that O’Dea will lead the team.
“Swansea City has announced that Darren O’Dea will be in interim charge of the men’s first team while the search for a new head coach is ongoing,” stated the club.
O’Dea, 38, will manage the Swans following Alan Sheehan’s departure and will be supported by Martyn Margetson, Kris O’Leary, and Richard Stearman.
“As previously mentioned, the club will provide further updates regarding the head coach recruitment process once a decision has been made.”
Vitor Matos’ Maritimo are currently third in the Portuguese second tier [Getty Images]
O’Dea transitioned from his role as professional player pathway manager and B team coach at Celtic to serve as Sheehan’s assistant in May.
The former Republic of Ireland defender had a brief stint as the under-18 coach at Motherwell before moving to Celtic in 2019.
O’Dea has not previously managed a senior team.
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Stearman and O’Leary, long-time members of the club, were part of Sheehan’s coaching staff, while Margetson is the head of goalkeeping.
Swansea, currently 18th in the Championship with only one win from their last seven league matches, has not disclosed how long the interim coaching arrangement will last.
After the match against Bristol City, Swansea will host Derby County next Tuesday before heading to West Brom the following Saturday.
Initially targeting Hellberg, the Swans have shifted their attention as the Hammarby coach is set to move to second-placed Middlesbrough.
Former Liverpool coach Matos emerged as the leading candidate, but the club has failed to finalize an agreement for the 37-year-old Portuguese, who signed a two-year contract with Maritimo this past summer.
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“Maritimo will defend its interests and has assured that it is maintaining a harmonious relationship and open dialogue with Vitor Matos, reinforcing trust and alignment toward its sporting objectives,” concluded the club’s statement.