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Don Cowie (footballer)

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Don Cowie
Cowie playing for Wigan Athletic in 2014
Personal information
Full name Don McCulloch Cowie[1]
Date of birth (1983-02-15) 15 February 1983 (age 41)[2]
Place of birth Inverness, Scotland
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[3]
Position(s) Midfielder[4]
Team information
Current team
 Ross County (Manager)
Youth career
Ross County
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2000–2007 Ross County 156 (17)
2007–2009 Inverness CT 59 (12)
2009–2011 Watford 88 (9)
2011–2014 Cardiff City 86 (6)
2014–2016 Wigan Athletic 37 (0)
2016–2018 Heart of Midlothian 72 (3)
2018–2020 Ross County 38 (2)
Total 536 (49)
International career
2009–2012 Scotland 10 (0)
Managerial career
2024– Ross County
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Don McCulloch Cowie (born 15 February 1983) is a Scottish professional football coach and former player, who is currently the manager of Ross County. Cowie played as a midfielder for Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Watford, Cardiff City, Wigan Athletic, Heart of Midlothian and Ross County. Cowie made ten international appearances for the Scotland national football team between 2009 and 2012.

Club career

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Ross County

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Born in Inverness,[2] Cowie attended Dingwall Academy and came up through Ross County's youth system and went on to captain the club. His father was also a footballer for Ross County during the club's long membership of the Highland Football League. He was on the Ross County side that drew 1–1 against Clyde but beat them in a penalty shoot-out in the Challenge cup final.[5] On 30 January 2007, he signed a pre-contract agreement with Highland derby rivals Inverness and officially joined them on 1 July 2007.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle

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Cowie's first season at the club proved fruitful as he abided so quickly to the Scottish Premier League (SPL). He scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 defeat away to St Mirren. During Caley Thistle's poor start to the season Cowie proved to be an inspirational figure in the starting eleven. One of his best moments of the season came when he scored the third, and winning goal in Caley Thistle's 3–2 win over Celtic, as well as a stunning 20-yard volley in a win over Kilmarnock. He finished the season as Inverness' top scorer with nine goals and was voted Player of the Year in Caley Thistle's match program.[citation needed]

Watford

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He was set to join Championship club Watford over the summer of 2009, as he signed a pre-contract agreement with the club on 29 January 2009. Despite this agreement, Inverness and Watford agreed a fee and he moved on transfer deadline day for a nominal fee on 2 February.[6] He made his debut for on 14 February, in the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Chelsea, appearing as a 67th-minute substitute for Lee Williamson.[7] In the following game, he made his league debut in a 2–0 home victory against Swansea City on 17 February.[8]

He scored his first goal for Watford against Crystal Palace, in a league game on 28 February 2009.[9] On 7 December 2009, Cowie became the man who has the distinction of assisting Lloyd Doyley's first ever goal for Watford, he then himself went on to score in the same game, ending in a 3–1 victory against Queens Park Rangers.[10]

Cardiff City

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Cowie playing for Cardiff City in 2011

On 1 July 2011, Cowie signed for Cardiff City on a three-year contract, following newly appointed Cardiff manager Malky Mackay to Wales having been convinced not to sign an improved contract at Watford so Cardiff would not have to pay for the transfer.[11] He made his debut for the club away at West Ham United in a shock 1–0 win on the opening day of the Championship season. Cowie scored his first and second goals for the Bluebirds in a 5–3 win over Huddersfield Town in the League Cup.[12] He scored his first league goal of the season in a 1–1 draw with Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.[13] Cowie scored two more goals in two goal fests which included a 4–3 loss at Peterborough United and a 5–3 victory against Barnsley at Cardiff City Stadium. He made his 400th career appearance in a 1–0 win over Crystal Palace in the League Cup, a tie which saw Cardiff reach their first-ever final in the competition. Cowie played the entirety of the Wembley final against Premier League Liverpool, but after a 2–2 draw following extra time, the Reds won the final 3–2 on penalties, a shootout in which Cowie took and converted Cardiff's second penalty.

Cowie opened his goal account for the 2012–13 season on 22 September against Crystal Palace. Cowie scored two goals and made twenty-five appearances in a season in which Cardiff won the Championship title, securing promotion to the Premier League. The club was relegated from the Premier League after its first season in the top flight. Cowie was offered a new contract by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer,[14] but he decided to leave the club.[15]

Wigan

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Cowie signed for Wigan Athletic on a two-year contract in July 2014.[16]

Hearts

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Cowie became the first signing of Scottish Premiership side Hearts during the 2015–16 winter transfer window, signing a two-a-half-year deal with the Tynecastle club.[17] In August 2017, his contract was extended by one year.[18]

Ross County (second spell)

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Cowie rejoined Ross County in August 2018.[19] He retired from playing in June 2020.[20]

International career

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On 7 October 2009, Cowie was called up to the Scotland squad for the first time.[21] He made his debut in the match, a 2–0 defeat against Japan, on 10 October. Cowie started in his second game for Scotland in a friendly against Wales at the new home of Cardiff City. His first competitive start for Scotland came against Lithuania on 6 September 2011 in the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier.[22]

Coaching career

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After his retirement from playing in June 2020, Cowie moved into a coaching role with Ross County.[20] He became assistant manager to Malky Mackay, who signed Cowie as a player at Watford and Cardiff City respectively. Cowie became interim manager in February 2024, following the resignation of Derek Adams.[23][24] After the club avoided relegation by winning a play-off against Raith Rovers on 26 May 2024, Cowie was given the job on a permanent basis.[25]

Personal life

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Cowie is a member of a footballing family: his wife, Shelley, played football for Glasgow City and the Scotland national team, but gave up in order to start a family. Her twin sister, Suzanne Grant, played for Celtic Ladies until 2015 and the Scotland national team until 2014. Suzanne is married to former Dundee United and Hamilton Academical player David Winters.[26] His father, also named Don, played football in the Highland League with Ross County, Inverness Caledonian and Buckie Thistle.

Career statistics

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As of match played 13 July 2020
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Domestic Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Ross County 2000–01[27] Scottish First Division 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2001–02[28] Scottish First Division 18 0 1 0 2 0 3[a] 0 24 0
2002–03[29] Scottish First Division 29 1 1 0 3 1 2[a] 0 35 2
2003–04[30] Scottish First Division 18 0 1 0 2 1 2[a] 0 23 1
2004–05[31] Scottish First Division 34 5 3 0 2 0 4[a] 1 43 6
2005–06[32] Scottish First Division 30 4 3 3 0 0 0 0 33 7
2006–07[33] Scottish First Division 29 7 1 0 2 2 5[a] 0 37 9
Total 159 17 10 3 11 4 16 1 196 25
Inverness CT 2007–08[34] Scottish Premier League 37 9 1 0 3 0 — 41 9
2008–09[35] Scottish Premier League 22 3 1 0 3 0 — 26 3
Total 59 12 2 0 6 0 — 67 12
Watford 2008–09[35] Championship 10 3 1 0 0 0 — 11 3
2009–10[36] Championship 41 2 1 0 2 0 — 44 2
2010–11[37] Championship 37 4 0 0 2 0 — 39 4
Total 88 9 2 0 4 0 — 94 9
Cardiff City 2011–12[38] Championship 43 4 0 0 7 3 2[b] 0 52 7
2012–13[39] Championship 25 2 0 0 0 0 — 25 2
2013–14[40] Premier League 18 0 2 0 2 0 — 22 0
Total 86 6 2 0 9 3 2 0 99 9
Wigan Athletic 2014–15[41] Championship 32 0 1 0 0 0 — 33 0
2015–16[42] League One 5 0 0 0 0 0 2[c] 0 7 0
Total 37 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 40 0
Heart of Midlothian 2015–16[42] Scottish Premiership 10 0 2 0 0 0 — 12 0
2016–17[43] Scottish Premiership 34 3 2 0 1 0 2[d] 0 39 3
2017–18[44] Scottish Premiership 28 0 1 1 4 1 — 33 2
Total 72 3 5 1 5 1 2 0 84 5
Ross County 2018–19[45] Scottish Championship 29 2 0 0 1 0 3[a] 0 33 2
2019–20[46] Scottish Premiership 9 0 0 0 0 0 — 9 0
Total 38 2 0 0 1 0 3 0 42 2
Career Total 539 49 22 4 36 8 25 1 621 62
  1. ^ a b c d e f Appearances in Scottish Challenge Cup
  2. ^ Appearances in Championship play-offs
  3. ^ Appearances in Football League Trophy
  4. ^ Appearances in the Europa League

Managerial record

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As of match played 23 November 2024
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref
P W D L Win %
Ross County 8 February 2024 Present 36 13 10 13 036.1

Honours

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Player

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Ross County

Cardiff City

Manager

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Ross County

References

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  1. ^ "Premier League clubs submit squad lists" (PDF). Premier League. 4 February 2014. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 March 2016.
  2. ^ a b Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2010). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Mainstream Publishing. p. 98. ISBN 978-1-84596-601-0.
  3. ^ "Don Cowie: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
  4. ^ "Don Cowie". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 3 January 2020.
  5. ^ "Challenge Cup seems small fry now for dazed Don Cowie". The Scotsman. 14 May 2010. Retrieved 14 May 2010.
  6. ^ "Watford | News | News | Latest Headlines | DON'S THE ONE FOR WATFORD". Archived from the original on 5 February 2009. Retrieved 2 February 2009.
  7. ^ "Watford 1–3 Chelsea". BBC News. 14 February 2009. Retrieved 1 May 2010.
  8. ^ "Watford 2–0 Swansea". BBC News. 17 February 2009. Retrieved 1 May 2010.
  9. ^ "Watford vs Crystal Palace". Watford Football Club. 28 February 2009. Archived from the original on 8 August 2010. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
  10. ^ "Watford 3–1 QPR". BBC Sport. 7 December 2009. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  11. ^ "Don Cowie signs for Bluebirds". 1 July 2011. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  12. ^ "Cardiff 5 – 3 Huddersfield". BBC Sport. 23 August 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  13. ^ "Blackpool 1 – 1 Cardiff". BBC Sport. 17 September 2011. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
  14. ^ Don Cowie: Cardiff City offer Scottish midfielder fresh contract, BBC Sport.
  15. ^ Cardiff City: Scotland international Don Cowie leaves the Bluebirds, BBC Sport.
  16. ^ Don Cowie: Wigan Athletic sign former Cardiff City midfielder, BBC Sport
  17. ^ "Don's a Jambo". heartsfc.co.uk. 1 February 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  18. ^ "Hearts midfielder Don Cowie signs one-year contract extension". BBC Sport. 17 August 2017. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  19. ^ "Don Cowie: Ross County sign midfielder from Hearts". BBC Sport. 13 August 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  20. ^ a b Sked, Joel (10 June 2020). "Ex-Hearts ace Don Cowie retires and joins Premiership club's coaching staff". Edinburgh Evening News. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
  21. ^ A Scotland team in name only, The Scotsman
  22. ^ "Bannan and Cowie to start against Lithuania". BBC Sport. 6 September 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2011.[permanent dead link‍]
  23. ^ "Ross County: Manager Derek Adams resigns after 12 games". BBC Sport. 7 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
  24. ^ "Ross County: Don Cowie replaces Derek Adams on interim basis". BBC Sport. 8 February 2024. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  25. ^ "Don Cowie confirmed as Ross County manager after Staggies see off Raith Rovers in play-off final to secure Premiership status". Ross-shire Journal. 26 May 2024. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  26. ^ "Lure of Arsenal favours Grant in football couple's tug of love". The Scotsman. Johnston Publishing. 12 May 2009. Archived from the original on 26 October 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2009.
  27. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2000/2001". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  28. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2001/2002". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  29. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2002/2003". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  30. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2003/2004". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  31. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  32. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  33. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  34. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  35. ^ a b "Games played by Don Cowie in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  36. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  37. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  38. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  39. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  40. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  41. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  42. ^ a b "Games played by Don Cowie in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  43. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  44. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  45. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  46. ^ "Games played by Don Cowie in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  47. ^ Vittles, Jack (26 October 2016). "What happened to Cardiff's trophy winning side of 2012/13?". WalesOnline.
  48. ^ "Starting Lineups - Cardiff vs Liverpool". Sky Sports. 26 February 2012. Retrieved 25 March 2024.
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