Don Cowie: I could have stayed but I want promotion with County

The 35-year-old had a year remaining on his deal at Tynecastle but knew he faced stiff competition for a midfield place after a significant summer overhaul by manager Craig Levein. The offer of a three-year-contract, with the chance to play regularly and the prospect of a coaching role further down the line, ultimately tempted him to call time on his two and a half years at Hearts and return to Dingwall 11 years after he left to join Inverness.

“It wasn’t a case of being told I had to leave or anything - it was always in my court,” said Cowie. “I loved the club and I was settled where I lived with my family, so it was a big decision to leave Hearts. Had it not been Ross County, I’d probably stll be at Hearts. Craig said I could stay and be part of it and, although I wouldn’t have played as much, I’d have still enjoyed that because it’s such a special club. If I’d stayed, I’d have still played here and there but I’m at a stage of my career where I don’t have that long left so I want to play as much as I can. I had offers to stay in the Premiership but I felt if I went to Ross County I’d have the opportunity to achieve something special. I want to win the Championship and get back to the Premiership. I know time is running out, but after all the years I’ve been away from Ross County, it would be something special if I could play for them in the Premiership. That’s something I’d always wanted to do which I wasn’t able to do first time around.”

County sit second in an ultra-competitive Championship, a point behind Inverness. “The club had a difficult season last year but we’ve assembled a really strong squad with good camaraderie,” said County. “We know it’s going to be difficult because it’s a competitive league, with Inverness, Dundee United, Partick, Dunfermline... whoever puts together the most consistent run will win the league, and  hopefully that’s us.”