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Image source, Swansea City AFC
Darren O'Dea played for a number of clubs including Celtic, Leeds United and Ipswich Town
Swansea City's assistant boss Darren O'Dea has been placed in "interim charge" as the Welsh club's pursuit of a permanent successor to Alan Sheehan continues.
Talks have taken place to make Maritimo's Vitor Matos their new head coach, having missed out on top target Kim Hellberg, who is set to join Middlesbrough.
However, the Matos negotiations have so far proved unsuccessful, with Maritimo issuing a statement on Thursday saying their head coach will only depart if an interested club activates a one million euros (£881,900) release clause.
"The board of Maritimo, Madeira can confirm that Vitor Matos will continue at the club, despite interest from other institutions," said a statement on the Portuguese second-tier club's website.
"President Carlos Andre Gomes recognises the external attention generated by the quality of the manager's work but assures that the club's rights are protected.
"The club considers it natural for there to be interest in Vitor Matos, and highlights the excellence of his work and his own satisfaction with the project.
"The club reiterates that an exit can only occur pending the full payment of the release clause of one million euros, without exception or alternate negotiation."
Swansea had hoped to have a new management team in place for Saturday's trip to Bristol City, having sacked Sheehan nine days ago.
They did not initially appoint a caretaker boss 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," the club 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."
Image source, Getty Images
Vitor Matos' Maritimo are third in the Portuguese second tier
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 and club stalwart O'Leary were part of Sheehan's staff as first-team coaches, while Margetson is Swansea'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.
Following the trip to Bristol City, the Swans will host Derby County next Tuesday before visiting West Brom the following Saturday.
Swansea initially targeted Hellberg, but the Hammarby coach is set for second-placed Boro.
Former Liverpool coach Matos then became the leading contender, but they have been unable to agree a deal for the 37-year-old Portuguese, who signed a two-year contract at Maritimo in the summer.
"Maritimo maintains the right to defend its interests and can guarantee it maintains a full harmony and an open dialogue with Vitor Matos, reinforcing trust and alignment towards its sporting goals," added the club in their statement.
