John Downie

Who was John Downie?

John Dennis "Johnny" Downie was a Scottish football player. He was born in Lanark, and played as an inside forward. Downie played football as a member of the Lanark Air Training Corps, but joined Bradford Park Avenue as an amateur in August 1942. After spending time working in a colliery in Bradford, he turned professional in December 1944, and made his debut when football restarted after the Second World War.

After 33 goals in 86 league appearances for Bradford Park Avenue, he joined Manchester United in March 1949 for a club record £18,000 as a replacement for the departing Johnny Morris. Downie scored 37 goals in 116 appearances for the club, before leaving for Luton Town for £10,000 in 1953.

Downie also played league football for Hull City, Mansfield Town and Darlington, and spent time in the non-league with King's Lynn, Wisbech Town, Hyde United, Mossley and Stalybridge Celtic. After retiring from football, Downie worked as a newsagent in Bradford. He later lived in Tynemouth and regularly watched local teams North Shields and Whitley Bay. He died in Tynemouth on 19 February 2013.