Celtic B Team coach Darren O’Dea knows exactly what his responsibilities are, because he learned from Tommy Burns.
Having come through the Academy, becoming a Hoops regular, O’Dea owes so much to the Celtic icon. It was Burns who helped identify O’Dea and sell him on Celtic, before becoming part of the first-team picture under Strachan.
O’Dea, who made 59 appearances for Celtic [Transfermarkt], wasn’t always a sure bet to come through the Academy, though. Talented though he was, he struggled with homesickness during his first season out of Dublin. Burns somehow found this out, and made sure the Irishman felt supported at Celtic.
Speaking to the Celtic View Podcast’s Cult Heroes series, O’Dea explained that Burns instilled the values he needed to succeed. And, now, as he follows Burns’ coaching path, he wants to be as helpful as the Celtic great was for him.
O’Dea said [Celtic View Podcast]: “Tommy did things that are mind-blowing now I’m working this side of this game.
“To give you an example, I was homesick at one stage, I was struggling a wee bit.
“Tommy came out at half 7 at night, and ate dinner in the digs. He never really told me why he was there, it was just to have his presence there. We ended up speaking for a few minutes, it was really, really kind of, off the record and not formal in any way.
“Usually with Tommy you had a bit of a laugh, and I just felt ten times better when he left. But he never told me the reason he was out. Looking back, he’s got his kids, his wife, he’s probably been at work all day long, yet he’s coming out of the house at half seven at night, just for one player.
“That level of care, I feel that responsibility now in the Academy, to the players. That side of him was pivotal in me going on to have a career, let alone a Celtic career.”
Celtic legend Tommy Burns remembered fondly by Darren O’Dea
What else can you say about Tommy Burns, really?
The Celtic View Podcast episode with Darren O’Dea was a surprisingly emotional one. He goes on to talk about how little he remembers winning the famous 07-08 title. The Irishman was still very much in mourning, and he expresses as much on the podcast.
Of course, you won’t find anyone in Scottish football with anything less than positive stories about Tommy Burns. The man left a positive mark on everyone he met. Though he dedicated so much of his life to Celtic, rivalries subside when you’re talking about Tommy.
It’s genuinely moving to hear O’Dea speak about his career, specifically his years at Celtic. Whether coming through the Academy, or when he was in the first team, he speaks with frank honesty about his experiences. More than once, you’ll hear him rue not enjoying his time in the Celtic first-team more, or celebrating hard-earned victories with more enthusiasm.
It’s a really affecting listen. Particularly, of course, when the conversation turns to Tommy Burns.
What a man, what a legacy. And O’Dea has seen exactly how a Celtic Academy coach should operate. With a level of responsibility and care that goes beyond the training pitch.
Fair play to O’Dea here. It would’ve been hard for him to recount a story like that. But he’s done so it so that there’s yet another example of the man’s brilliance out in the world.
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