Having played with local side Gwydir Rovers as a youth, he was taken on as an apprentice by Wrexham in January 1962 where he worked as a member of the ground staff.
[1] He became a regular in United's defence for the following three seasons, being voted the club's Player of the Year in 1969,[2] and was an integral part of the side that gained promotion to the English top-flight in 1971.
[1] Unfortunately for Powell he badly injured his knee during a game at Queens Park Rangers towards the end of that season and remained sidelined for over a year.
[1] Powell was eventually released by United in September 1972 to allow him to return to Wales and join Cardiff City.
[5] Powell played eleven games for Wales in total, scoring once in October 1969 during a 1–3 loss to East Germany.