John McDowell, was born on 5th September 1951, East Ham, London and played for both West Ham United and Norwich City during his professional playing career.
McDowell began his career as an apprentice with Hammers youth team and made an appearance for the England youth side before playing 13 international matches at under-23 level between 1972-74.
McDowell was a Hammers first team regular for almost 10 years at right back after Bonds switched to midfield. Making his league debut in October 1970 against Blackpool McDowell made 249 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 8 goals.
Versatile and talented defender who was powerful in the tackle, McDowell formed a central defensive partnership with Frank Lampard until John suffered a knee injury that forced him to miss most of the 1976-77 season. Failure to secure a regular, first team spot after this injury led to a £20,000 transfer to Norwich for whom he made 45 appearances, scoring once.
John McDowell and Bobby Moore West Ham United in League One match at Upton Park in 1972 against Manchester United. The match ended 2-2 with Robson scoring a brace for the Hammers and George Best and Ian Storey-Moore scoring for the Man Utd.
McDowell in 1972.
Martin Peters scores against Hammers at White Hart Lane.
McDowell in 1973.
Panini defined a generation of football fans with their sticker collections that began in 1970 with a partnership with FIFA for the Mexico World Cup. Then in the ‘80s it seemed that everyone was collecting the stickers to fill the albums of the teams in the old First Division. Here is McDowell’s Panini sticker for 1973
8th September 1973. West Ham captain Bobby Moore has Tottenham striker Alan Gilzean in giggles and team mate John McDowell smirking. The Hammers lost 1-0 at Upton Park with Matin Chivers scoring the only goal for Spurs.
McDowell here during West Ham’s 1-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 27th September 1975
From the Stands 