Ross County legend Wilson leads tributes to former Inverness Caledonian Thistle midfielder Cowie as he retires

Ross County legend Bobby Wilson yesterday led tributes to retiring Don Cowie after the curtain came down on his highly-accomplished playing career north and south of the border.

The Staggies’ midfielder has hung up his boots at 37 to become the Premiership club’s new first team coach.

Ex-manager Wilson, who secured Highland League titles and great Scottish Cup shocks to propel County towards Scottish League status, played a big part in Cowie’s early development.

Often described as a Highland Football Academy product, Cowie made his senior debut in Dingwall against Raith in May 2001 – a year before the HFA Trust was established.

It was in Sunday kids’ sessions in Dingwall taken by Wilson and Cowie’s dad Don senior, from the age of seven, where the boyhood love of the ball was kindled.

“There’s a YouTube video of when we beat St Cuthbert Wanderers 11-0 in the Scottish Cup, Don is there as mascot,” Wilson said.

“You’d never have envisaged him having the career he did, but what a career. He was a smashing lad and still is, an absolute gentleman."

Read more in today's Inverness Courier.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.