O’Leary ‘Honoured & Excited’ To Rejoin Swansea

Kristian O’Leary says he is ‘honoured and excited’ to rejoin Swansea City in a coaching role.

The Welshman joined the club when he was just 14 before making his professional debut in the 1995/96 season. He made 284 appearances for his local club before leaving in 2010 to join Neath, after loan spells at Cheltenham, Leyton Orient and Wrexham.

O’Leary managed Neath last season and guided them to a 3rd place finish in the League of Wales.

The 34 year-old will now focus on his role as developing the young players into first team players, as well as managing the Reserves team.

O’Leary was delighted that new manager Michael Laudrup offered him the role at the Liberty Stadium, he told the official site:

‘I’m honoured and excited. Ironically it’s 18 years to the day (July 4) that I signed for the club as an apprentice.

‘Now I’m joining as a coach and it’s a great honour to be back starting my second apprenticeship.

‘It helps that I’ve been around long enough to see what it takes to play for this football club, especially being around as a player when Roberto Martinez initiated the change in playing style to its current philosophy.

‘When I left the club two years ago I hoped and dreamed that this day would come. Everyone knows the feelings I have for this club and, as always, I will give everything to my new role.’