Report: Darren O’Dea Shock Contender For Championship Job

Darren O’Dea’s hard work in the Celtic youth setup has clearly not gone unnoticed, having been appointed Professional Player Pathway Manager in April.

O’Dea, who has previously worked as Celtic Under-18s and B team head coach, received a promotion in April due to his impressive time at the club as a coach after a successful playing career.

With O’Dea moving to the new role, former teaMMAte Stephen McManus was appointed Head Coach of the B team.

The Irishman has been said to be working closely at all levels of the club, from Brendan Rodgers to the Head of Youth Academy, Chris McCart.

However, the Scottish Sun report that O’Dea is said to be a surprise contender for the Head Coach position at Raith Rovers, with the Championship side having sacked Ian Murray after a 1-0 defeat to Airdrieonians on Saturday, despite reaching the Scottish Premiership playoff final in May, after finishing second in the Scottish Championship.

Whether O’Dea would be open to the job at Raith Rovers seems unlikely, given his six-year tenure at Celtic as a player from 2006 until 2012.

His close affiliation with the club, having come through the Celtic youth setup, means he understands the winning culture associated with the Hoops and knows how to nurture young players into the first team under Brendan Rodgers.

O’Dea is valued dearly at the club, and that appears to make the link between the Irishman and the Raith Rovers manager position nothing more than a rumour at this stage.