 He remained on the staff under Danny Bergara's management, but was laid off a few months later.After a short stint at Goole AFC, and turning down management positions abroad, notably in the United States and Sweden, Cowling went on to become director of youth at Bury, youth development officer for Darlington F.C., and then also director of a football development centre at Darlington College, and established a soccer school in partnership with his son Lee, also a former professional footballer.Cowling also holds a UEFA Pro qualified coach badge.