Roy MacGregor has confirmed that Malky Mackay’s former assistant manager Don Cowie will take the team before a new appointment is made.

The Staggies have gone nine games without a win and slipped to 11th place in the Premiership with Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by St Johnstone in Perth.

As a result, Mackay was relieved of his duties and the hunt for a new boss is now underway.

Chairman MacGregor hopes to deliver a new manager over the international break to be in position for the clash with Kilmarnock on November 25.

Already the chairman’s phone has been red hot with approaches from agents and potential managerial candidates.

Neil Lennon, Neil Warnock, Kevin Thomson, Callum Davidson, Scott Brown, Ian Murray and John Hughes are among names already being mentioned.

MacGregor explained: “I wouldn’t have disrespected Malky Mackay (by making moves for other individuals).

“He came in today, and saw his staff and players and said his goodbyes.

“Steve Ferguson was there with Don Cowie, who will take the training.

“The football side shuts down for a day or two now with the international break, so we need to work hard over the next day or two to make sure we get a shortlist.

“Judging by my phone already, there will not be a shortage of candidates.

“But we have not done any work on it. We were all shattered by the fact it didn’t work out and there’s been that bit of soul-searching going on.

“We start now - tonight - when we get together and begin to think about what is right for Ross County now.”