After speaking with Cowell on Wednesday to “confirm we’re all still on the same page”, Magpies president Christine Hill said he would remain at the helm.

The news follows an executive meeting on Tuesday that centered around Cowell’s future after he failed to fulfill duties as coach during the round six clash against Learmonth on Saturday.

Cowell was present at the home fixture, but watched on from the sidelines as the Magpies went down to the Lakies by 66 points.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, after the executive’s gathering, Hill said “a decision was made to chat further with Dale after he recovers from his shoulder surgery (performed on May 17) in regards to personal reasons”.

Following this, it has been decided to stick with the coach, who holds a five-year deal with the club he joined in the off-season.

Cowell replaced joint-coaches Jason Hill and Michael McKenzie, who stepped down and are both playing elsewhere in 2016.

“As a committee, we are fully in support of Dale coaching and the decision has been made by the executive that Dale will be coaching,” Hill said on Thursday.

Hill admitted the executive still had more to discuss in relation to Cowell’s position.

The Courier understands the senior playing group isn’t fully in support of Cowell leading the team and has met to discuss the matter.

When asked about a vote held by players in relation to supporting Cowell’s position at the helm, Hill said she didn’t wish to make comment.

Clunes captain Jesse Baird declined to speak to The Courier on Thursday.

Cowell is set to lead the Magpies in round seven against Daylesford after this weekend’s Central Highlands Football League bye.