Darren O'Dea and Richard Stearman confirmed as part of Swansea City coaching staff

Swansea City is delighted to confirm the appointment of Darren O’Dea as the club’s assistant head coach, and that Richard Stearman will continue as first-team coach.

O’Dea, 38, will serve as number two to head coach Alan Sheehan and arrives from Celtic, where he was professional player pathway manager and ‘B’ team coach.

Stearman, 37, also makes up part of Sheehan’s coaching staff for his first campaign in charge, with the former Wolves defender having first joined the club on a short-term basis in March, helping the Swans to a strong end to the 2024-25 season as they took 17 points from the last eight games.

Sheehan’s coaching staff will be completed by head of goalkeeping Martyn Margetson and first-team coach Kris O’Leary, who continue in their respective roles.

Head coach Alan Sheehan, said: “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.

“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.”

As a player, former Republic of Ireland international O’Dea – who won 20 caps for his country - came through the academy ranks at Parkhead and went on to make 70 senior appearances for the Bhoys, winning two league titles, one Scottish Cup and a Scottish League Cup.

He also played for Reading, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Toronto FC, Metalurh Donetsk, Blackpool Mumbai City and Dundee before hanging up his boots and moving into coaching in 2019.

He initially joined Motherwell as under-18s’ coach, before soon making a return to Celtic in the same role.

He was promoted to ‘B’ team coach in 2021, and also took on the responsibilities of player pathway manager in 2024.

Stearman also enjoyed a distinguished playing career, starting off at Leicester City, where Sheehan was one of his teammates.

He went on to play for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham, Sheffield United and Derby County. In a career taking in just shy of 500 league appearances, with 77 of those coming in the Premier League.

He made the move into coaching with Solihull Moors, firstly with their academy and then joining their senior staff, prior to his move to south Wales.  

 Swansea City can also confirm that Mark Fotheringham will leave the club to pursue new opportunities, having served as first-team coach alongside Stearman towards the end of the season.

“We want to thank Mark for the role he played towards the end of last season, he was excellent for us,” added Sheehan.

“We had a conversation and we part ways on very good terms, we wish him all the very best for the future.

“We will keep in touch. I am sure he will continue to follow our fortunes, and if he and his family ever want to come to watch us play then he will receive nothing but the warmest of welcomes.”

Montague added: “Mark brought a tremendous amount of energy, and we have no doubt he will go on to have an excellent coaching career.

“We look forward to seeing what he does next, and he leaves with nothing but our very best wishes for the future.”

Everyone at Swansea City thanks Mark for his contribution and wishes him well for the future.