He made his debut for the Clarets on 27 February 1926 in the 1–1 draw with Everton and went on to play 60 league matches for the Turf Moor club over the next three seasons.
[3] After studying physiotherapy, Dougall was appointed as a coach at Football League Third Division South outfit Thames before moving to Charlton Athletic to become the assistant manager.
He got his first win three days later as his side defeated local Lancashire rivals Preston North End 2–0 at Turf Moor.
Soon after, he suffered ill health and control of the first team was passed to Ray Bennion while Dougall underwent hospital treatment.
[3] His brothers Peter (14 years younger and a teammate at Burnley) and Jimmy (18 years younger) and his son Neil were also footballers; Jimmy too played for Falkirk though mainly for Preston North End; Neil was developed at Burnley while his father was on the staff, but played league football with Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle.