Ross County manager Don Cowie reckons communication is key after brief Derek Adams era in Dingwall
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Don Cowie reckons it is good to talk – and is making communication a big priority at Ross County.
The Staggies interim manager insists his focus on the power of the spoken word between players and management is no slight on predecessor Derek Adams.
It owes more to his own personality and his belief in making the squad feel good about itself.
Cowie, preparing for a massive relegation showdown with Livingston in Dingwall this weekend, said: “I like to speak to the players on a regular basis.
“It has been big for us, but, no matter who was in charge prior to me, that’s just my personality.
“I want to speak to the players. I’m sure they would all echo that from when I was assistant manager.
“I want to engage, I want to find out about them. I want them to feel comfortable in the environment we are working in.
“That will bring the best out of them.
“Last week was challenging with two games in quick succession, but I was looking forward to this week because it gives us proper preparation leading into the next match.
“It allows us to focus on individual aspects of the game a little bit more.
“I’ve had one-to-ones probably with the majority of the players because that’s my personality.
“I like to engage and I speak to them often.
“It is about making them feel good about themselves and making sure they realise how much I believe in them, because I see what they can do on a daily basis.
“It’s up to me to try to get these bits of quality out of them.
“When a team hasn’t been successful for the period we have been through, confidence might be slightly low.
“A lot of what I do is evidence-based and I’ve shown them from Saturday against Dundee there were a lot of good aspects.
“It is just about finding that consistency.”
Strathpeffer-raised Cowie, who went to Dingwall Academy, is the first manager in Ross County’s Scottish league history to hail from the local area.
He is relishing the prospect of his first home game in charge, despite the high stakes.
Cowie said: “I’m very proud to be that person. It’s an opportunity I’ve worked very hard to get to.
“Now it is about me trying to put my stamp on it and see if it can last a little bit longer.
“I’ve made no secret of the fact I would like to become a manager on a full-time basis.
“I’ve been a coach and assistant for three and a half years and the natural progression for me is to become a manager.
“I’m now in an interim post but I’d love to be here long-term.”
“Stepping out at home for the first time will be a proud moment – and it’s one that I want to do time and time again.”
Cowie knows County need results above all else but will also pride himself on the style of performances.
He stressed: “I want to see a team out there on Saturday who put on a performance that excites the fans.
“I want, and I need the fans to get right behind the players.
“It has been a very challenging period for this club. When this club does well, it’s when both the fans and the players are united. That starts this week.”
