Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell believes the on-field loss will be the coaching staff’s gain after Don Cowie announced his retirement from playing.
Midfielder Cowie has opted to hang up his boots after an impressive 19-year senior career, which started at Victoria Park where he had been since the age of nine.
After moving on to rivals Caley Thistle, Cowie went on to enjoy success in England with Watford, Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic, which resulted in him winning 10 Scotland caps.
Cowie returned to Victoria Park in 2018, following a spell at Hearts, and helped County secure the Championship title in his first season back at the club.
Although he missed the first half of last season through injury, Cowie returned to play a key role in the side after the turn of the year.
He turned 37 in March, and Kettlewell felt Cowie had plenty still to offer but insists the midfielder was intent on putting his full focus into his newly-fledged coaching career.
Kettlewell said: “We had a conversation and it was important, especially in Don’s mind, he was committing 100% to whatever he was doing – whether it was to be the playing side or coaching aspect.
“He had a lot of thinking to do. He has had a terrific playing career.
“It was a tough decision for him to hang up the boots, especially when you think you can still play.
“Obviously this structure was starting to take shape, and it was important we felt we were getting the right people into the correct positions.
“We had several conversations, and Don looked into the future and felt this was the right option for him. We are delighted on that front.”
Kettlewell feels the career path of Cowie, who grew up in nearby Strathpeffer, will serve as an inspiration for youngsters coming through with the Dingwall club.
He added: “I think we have to celebrate his career as a player.
“It’s a brilliant story for football in this area. He came from being a nine-year-old at this football club, and the journey he has been on as a player, to evolve and come all the way back around and join our coaching staff, is brilliant.
“I need to mention that on Richie Brittain’s front as well. He was my captain at the club through such a successful period.
“We have both experienced that promotion and trust in different roles. It’s a good story all round.”