Ross County boss tips assistant manager for future top job
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Malky Mackay has tipped his assistant Don Cowie to forge his own path as a manager one day in the future.
Cowie was one of the few who stayed put in the overhaul at Ross County before the start of the season, stepping up from first team coach to assistant manager under incoming boss Mackay.
The duo had previously worked together at Watford, Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic before Cowie returned to Scotland and eventually hung up his boots last year.
Forming a closer partnership now, Mackay believes Cowie has all the qualities needed to be a top number one.
“Don is a good coach and he’s learning the other side of the game even more so,” Mackay explained.
“There is a difference when it comes to the whole management and leadership area.
“Once the box is opened, you get a look inside and see all the other factors that are involved in football management.
“He’s very inquisitive, he wants to learn and listen. He has absolutely got the bravery to be able to speak, and put over the things he believes in.
“I have no doubts he is going to be a top manager one day.”
As a player Cowie could have been described as more of a lead by example kind than someone known to shout and scream at teammates, but Mackay was quick to dismiss any doubts over the former midfielder’s approach.
“You don’t play at the level he’s played at, for Scotland, in the Carling Cup Final, without having a steeliness inside you,” he added.
“I don’t think you go into coaching and end up at a reasonable level if you’re too nice. I also think the days of managers just hammering people are long gone.
“You don’t get the best out of people that way. You get so much more out of people when you understand them. Don is certainly one of those.
“I’ve got no doubts there is no issue there.”
