Career
McDowell was a first-team regular for West Ham United for ten years, missing only the 1976-1977 season due to injury. He played as a defender, replacing Billy Bonds as right-back after the latter had switched to midfield. He made his league debut in October 1970 against Blackpool.
He made 45 appearances for the club, scoring one goal.
He left Norwich in May 1982 to become assistant manager at Bristol Rovers.