Cowie agrees Ross County exit in club's 'best interest'

Don Cowie has left his role as Ross County manager, saying he has "mutally agreed" that it is in the Scottish Championship club's "best interest".

County, who were relegated from the Premiership after a play-off defeat by Livingston in May, have started the second tier season with a draw and home losses to fellow promotion hopefuls St Johnstone and Partick Thistle.

The latter, on Saturday, has proven the decisive for Cowie, who was appointed little over a year ago, having been in interim charge previously.

"Unfortunately, the start to our Championship season hasn't been up to the standard to which we all expected," former County midfielder Cowie said.

"After conversations with the board, we have mutually agreed that it is in the best interest of the club that I would leave my position as manager.

"I believe the club has a squad of players capable of achieving its goal of returning to the Premiership and I wish them the very best for the season ahead."

County say they will begin the hunt for a replacement "as soon as possible" and will confirm their interim coaching arrangements "in due course".

"The focus of everyone at the club remains on securing our position in the Scottish Premiership," chief executive Steven Ferguson added.