Ross County manager Don Cowie ‘devastated’ at club’s relegation from the Premiership – but expresses desire to lead Staggies back into top flight at first time of asking
Ross County manager Don Cowie admitted his side should never have lost the Premiership relegation play-off after going two goals up in the second leg in Dingwall.
Josh Nisbet and Ronan Hale had put the Staggies in a commanding position early in the game, but a remarkable comeback from Livingston saw the match end 4-2 to the visitors on the night, and 5-3 on aggregate.
The prospect of a first season in the Championship since 2018/19 is not one that will enthuse County’s supporters, staff or players right now, and Cowie admitted to being just as devastated.
“When you’re winning the tie by two goals in the first half you should never have not seen it out,” he said.
“Credit to Livingston. They put us under a lot of pressure and they deserved to get back to the Premiership over the two legs, if I’m being honest.
“We didn’t respond well enough after conceding the first goal tonight and looked vulnerable.
“I’m never going to make excuses. I just think momentum is a big thing in football and for whatever reason we lost one or two games and it seemed to set us back.
“We didn’t respond well enough in that period to get back to winning games of football. I think that was evident tonight, from a really commanding position we found a way to lose the tie.”
Cowie refused to be drawn on what the future may hold, but he was steadfast in his desire to attempt to lead Ross County back to the Premiership at the first time of asking.
“It’s obviously raw right now - really sore,” he added.
“We’ll need to have those conversations, because we’ve been waiting to see what league we’re in, but what I do know is, as much as I’m hurting right now and as sore as it is - and I accept the last few months have not been good enough - I’ve got huge belief in myself and motivation that I can get this club back to the Premiership.
“David Martindale is a prime example of that. This time last year, getting relegated with Livingston and responding by winning the play-offs this year.
“Those conversation will take place.. It is really raw and sore, but the support I’ve had in this really challenging spell from the chairman Roy MacGregor and chief executive Steven Ferguson has been incredible, and also my family because it has been a tough time.
“I’ve been in football a long time and it can be tough, It makes you stronger, more determined and more resilient.”
