The disappointment of relegation from Division 2 at the end of the previous season weighed heavily on the Rovers, but they responded brilliantly and by the end of this campaign, they had finished third in the Third Division (North), with only Hull City and Rotherham United above them.

Only Bycroft and Todd of the all-conquering 1946/47 team featured in the opening fixture of the new season as many former heroes were released. Nevertheless, the Rovers made a useful start and by the end of September they were tucked in nicely in 4th place. One of the three teams above them, Hull City, wee unbeaten thus far and their visit to Belle Vue in the first week of October was keenly anticipated.

The match drew a record gate of over 36,000 with Belle Vue bursting at the seams. Although it finished as a goalless draw, both sides showed up well, providing much promise for the season ahead. The draw preceded an excellent unbeaten run of nine games as the Rovers maintained their early season form. The run was only halted by two particularly disappointing defeats during the Christmas holiday fixtures.

The New Year saw the Rovers back on the winning trail, but they were lacking a prolific goalscorer that could have made all the difference to their season. On the other hand their defence was in splendid form, and only a last game aberration at Stockport County eventually prevented them creating a club record for fewest goals conceded in a season.

The second half of the season brought a series of exciting encounters with excellent attendances to watch them. As the season drew to a climax, more than 32,000 packed into Belle Vue to see the Rovers draw with high flying Rotherham United, whilst the Rovers achieved a dramatic victory at champions elect Hull City, where a Rod Barrit goal took the points before an attendance of almost 47,000.

As previously mentioned, the Rovers were hammered at Stockport County just three days later, but that failed to put a damper on what had been a very satisfying season. The pending arrival of Peter Doherty as announced just prior to the end of the campaign, meant that the club had regained its former equilibrium and that good times were ahead. Indeed, the Third Division (North) title ws just twelve months away….

The FA Cup was a disappointment, with Bradford City knocking the Rovers out in a 7 goal thriller at Valley Parade. All the more annoying as the Rovers eventually did the League double over their Yorkshire rivals during the course of the season.

Leading scorers: Reeve 12, Todd and Tindell 9.