Carl Tremarco is grasping the chance to learn from Don Cowie after being handed the role as Ross County’s assistant manager.
Cowie’s first move when he was initially given the interim reins in February was to appoint Tremarco as his number two – with both taking on their roles permanently during the summer.
Tremarco had previously worked within County’s youth setup as head of professional academy and loans manager.
The Liverpudlian spent the final season of his playing career with County after making the switch from Caley Thistle in 2020, at a time when Cowie made his first steps into the Staggies’ first-team coaching setup under Stuart Kettlewell.
Cowie subsequently became Malky Mackay’s assistant the following year, a role he briefly retained under Derek Adams, before being given his managerial breakthrough by Roy MacGregor earlier this year.
Having worked closely with Cowie throughout his time at the club, Tremarco is thrilled to take his first coaching steps at senior level alongside the Staggies boss.
Tremarco said: “I have seen the way the manager has developed, from being a first team coach, to assistant and now manager.
“I have seen that in the past three or four years.
“I can only learn from him – and I do that every single day. He motivates me, drives me, and makes me want to be better.
“To work under someone like that is great for me.”
‘End goal was always professional game’
Joining Tremarco in County’s new management team is Paul Cowie – the brother of the Staggies boss – who has taken up a role as first-team coach, along with overseeing performance analysis.
Tremarco says a move into senior coaching was always part of his ambition, but the 38-year-old admits he did not envisage it happening so quickly.
He added: “I made no secret about it when I started coaching in the academy – my end goal was always getting into the professional game.
“It maybe came a bit sooner than I expected, but I’m thoroughly enjoying it.
“We’ve got Paul in as well now, which is great. That takes a bit of the burden off myself, with a few bits and bobs I was carrying last season when there were only two of us.
“It’s a team effort – and I’m really enjoying it.”
Tremarco aiming to help pathway for young Staggies prospects
Despite his elevation to assistant manager, Tremarco continues to keep a close eye on the Staggies’ young prospects.
Tremarco took charge of County’s side who suffered a 3-2 defeat to Brora Rangers in the North of Scotland Cup last week.
The team was made up of a number of first-team players, although County introduced a number of youngsters in the latter stages before suffering a late defeat.
Having reached the final of the competition last season, Tremarco is disappointed to have exited at the first hurdle – but he hopes some of the Dingwall club’s young prospects will benefit from a taste of first team action.
Tremarco added: “It was disappointing for the young boys, as they had a good taste of it last season with getting to the final.
“Being involved in these games is great for their experience and development.
“It’s a first-team fixture, which gives them the chance to get on the pitch and mix it with senior players.”
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