John Brownlie was born in Caldercruix (Lanarkshire) on 11 March 1952.
Brownlie was a pioneering right back who played a crucial role in the entertaining and enterprising Hibernian side of the early 1970s. He developed the traditional tackling role of the full back into an attacking option, with his surging runs down the wing, from where he could deliver many a telling cross. He joined Hibs from Pumpherston Juniors in 1969, and had nine years at Easter Road, winning seven caps in the process. He won the Scottish League Cup in 1972, and also appeared in losing finals in the Scottish Cup of 1972 and League Cup of 1974. In 1978 he went to Newcastle, the start of a lengthy link with the north east of England. From there he went to Middlesbrough in 1982, Hartlepool United in 1984, Berwick Rangers a year later, and finally a short spell with Blyth Spartans early in 1986.
Johns 7 caps
- 27 May 1972 SCOTLAND 0 – 1 ENGLAND
- 20 May 1972 SCOTLAND 2 – 0 NORTHERN IRELAND
F.I.F.A. World Cup Qualifier
- 15 Nov 1972 SCOTLAND 2 – 0 DENMARK
- 18 Oct 1972 DENMARK 1 – 4 SCOTLAND
- 26 Apr 1972 SCOTLAND 2 – 0 PERU
- 14 Jun 1971 USSR 1 – 0 SCOTLAND
U.E.F.A. European Championship Qualifier
- 17 Dec 1975 SCOTLAND 1 – 1 ROMANIA