John Dowsey (1 May 1905 – 27 October 1942) was an English professional footballer who played as a wing-half or inside-forward in the Football League for Newcastle United, West Ham United, Carlisle United, Sunderland, Notts County and Northampton Town. Dowsey started his career with Hunswick Villa, moving to Newcastle United in June 1924. He featured regularly for the reserve team, scoring 54 goals in the North Eastern League during his two seasons at the club. He made his first of three first-team appearances for the Geordies on 14 November 1925 in a 3–1 home victory over Tottenham Hotspur.