Became better known when he took over from Steve Ketteridge as United manager in 1998/99. Assembling a side featuring quality players, Dowie's team quickly established themselves as a force in the Ryman Premier Division, and were well clear of 2nd place Sutton United.

That was until the board of directors dropped a bombshell, and Dowie was sacked and replaced with John Harding. The club slipped away from the top of the table in dramatic fashion and the rest is history.

After Aylesbury, Dowie had spells as manager of Chesham United and St. Albans City, and until recently was working with his more known brother, Iain, at Crystal Palace, as Director of Football.