Owen started his career with Manchester City, with whom he turned professional in 1975 and made his debut aged 17, against Wolverhampton Wanderers in March 1976.
After winning the League Cup earlier in the year, in October 1976 Owen scored his first goal, against West Ham United.
In 1979 Owen was sold, as part of City manager Malcolm Allison's clear-out, to West Bromwich Albion for £450,000*, despite being a strong fans' favourite.
At Albion, he was a regular, and although a midfielder, was awarded the number 10 shirt usually reserved for a striker, and he was also the club's first choice penalty-taker.
He suffered two broken ankles and meningitis in the 1984–85 season, and the following year, 1985–86, lost his place in the side due to his injuries.