Darren O’Dea “honoured” with Celtic switch

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Darren O’Dea’s move from Motherwell to Celtic has been confirmed by both clubs and the man himself.

The Republic of Ireland coach has completed his move to Parkhead as the new under-18 manager. Celtic have confirmed that this will mean Stephen McManus joins Tommy McIntyre with the reserve team.

It’s all change in the youth ranks at Parkhead, with O’Dea just a novice when it comes to the coaching side of things. He joins the Lennoxtown team after just four months at Fir Park as under-18 manager.

O’Dea earned 20 Republic of Ireland caps during an extensive playing career. The former Celtic centre-back also only hung up his boots back in May after 23 years as a player.

The man himself has spoken out on the move to Glasgow via his official Twitter account. And it’s clear that the Irishman is buzzing about the new move:

A big step-up for O’Dea, but one he’ll cherish

This is certainly an interesting appointment for the Hoops, who have certainly rejigged their academy coaches in recent times.

Only last season, Brendan Rodgers appointed Damien Duff to take charge of Celtic’s youngsters. However, his promotion to first-team coach under Neil Lennon gave McManus the opportunity to take charge of the under-18s.

Now, it’s been confirmed that the role is O’Dea’s to keep, and his task will be developing the stars of tomorrow in order to prepare them for reserve-team football and ultimately the top-team.

O’Dea’s experience in coaching is minimal, but this is a trend Celtic have been going down recently. Before McManus arrived at the club, he spent just 17 months at Fir Park in the academy. That was his only job before arriving.

Duff, meanwhile, has spent longer in coaching but not at a great level. He spent two-and-a-half years with Shamrock Rovers, where he mainly worked with the youngsters as well as a brief stint as a first-team coach.

Celtic are clearly willing to put their faith in young coaches. And for supporters, appointing former players as coaches certainly helps their connection. Hopefully, O’Dea can go from strength-to-strength like McManus has.