Powell began his career with AFC Bournemouth. In December 1974, Bournemouth sent him to Norwich City in exchange for Trevor Howard. He was voted Norwich City player of the year in 1979. In 1981, he moved to the United States to play for San Jose Earthquakes of the North American Soccer League. He spent two outdoor and two indoor seasons with the Earthquakes. During the second indoor season, the Earthquakes, under the name Golden Bay Earthquakes, competed in the Major Indoor Soccer League. In 1983, he moved to the Seattle Sounders.
