RANGERS V HEARTS SPECIAL
Stand-in Jon is ready to be full-time Hearts boss says Cowie
DON COWIE reckons Hearts don’t need to look at bringing in a big-name boss as the best candidate to become head coach is already at Tynecastle.
The Scotland midfielder is sure interim gaffer Jon Daly is ready to take the job on a permanent basis.
The Hearts board are thought to be looking for an experienced hand following Ian Cathro’s disastrous reign. But the Jambos vice-captain insists 34-year-old Daly would be a popular choice among the squad.
Cowie said: “He’s brought that competitive edge back, especially in training. That showed at Kilmarnock last weekend and if we can get another result against Rangers I’m sure it will do Jon no harm at all.
“The team is in good hands. Nine months ago when he was caretaker he was quite new to it and he said himself he wasn’t ready at that time.
“But now I see someone who is ready to be Hearts manager. The boys really respect him. I can only go on what I see in training but there’s been a great response to him and long may that continue.
“It’s only natural that big names have been mentioned, Hearts is a massive job.
“We’ve read the names linked to the post and they are big names but it doesn’t surprise me people like that want the job.
“But I’m sure Jon is in there, under consideration, and a win on Saturday could be massive for him and for us and for the season ahead.”
Daly’s predecessor Ian Cathro won just eight of his 30 games in charge and Cowie, whose signed a one-year contract extension on Thursday, insists last weekend’s success at Kilmarnock has given the squad a huge shot in the arm.
He added: “It was massive because we’ve not won enough games lately and our away form hasn’t been good enough in the last 12 months.
“There’s been great competitiveness around training right now because those who maybe weren’t involved now see there’s a clean slate and the ones who were playing have to prove themselves all over again.
“There’s a real hunger about the place and I’m really excited for the game at Ibrox.”
Cowie admits he was pleasantly surprised by the club’s desire to prolong his stay in Gorgie.
He added: “I was delighted that the club felt the need at this time to extend the deal. I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club so it was an easy decision.
“I wouldn’t have thought I’d have been seen as priority but I take it as a big compliment.
“The way I’ve conducted myself since I’ve been at the club, the way I go about my business, I always try and be as professional as I can, so it’s a big boost for me.
“I’ve loved it. I probably didn’t realise how big a club it was until I got here. It’s been challenging, there’s no denying that. Results haven’t been good enough.
“But I feel it’s a challenge I’ve not shied away from. I’ve really tried to stick at it. We’re going through another transitional period and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Cowie believes he has a lot to offer on the pitch but is also working towards a career in coaching. He added: “I’m not getting any younger but I still feel I’m contributing on the pitch. I’ll be doing a bit of coaching here because it goes hand in hand with doing my badges.
“But my primary focus is playing.”