This particular campaign proved to be a hugely enjoyable affair with the Rovers gaining promotion to the Third Division for the second time in four seasons. Although no money was spent at the start of the season, and all the incoming players were free transfers, they gelled somehow, and only a runaway performance by eventual champions York City, prevented them from taking the Fourth Division Championship for a third time.

The season opened in fine style with a comprehensive victory over Wrexham, who had been relegated with the Rovers some months before. Veteran striker Ernie Moss marked his debut with a goal, and four of the first six matches ended in victory for the Rovers, with Moss nothing five goals during that period.

The Rovers were already proving to be a difficult side to play. A strong defence featuring the likes of Billy Russell and Glenn Humphries, coupled with a capable midfield with Andy Kowalski and a youngster called Ian Snodin in tandem, meant that there was always likely to be chances available for Moss and his partner, Colin Douglas. A heavy and unexpected defeat at Torquay on the first day of October precluded a superb run of results for the team. Only one game was lost between October and Christmas, the pick of these games being at Bristol City in November, with the winner coming from David Harle. On the other hand, the only defeat came at Swindon, where Ian Snodin was sent off.

By the turn of the New Year, the Rovers were in second place in the Fourth Division, albeit nine points behind the leaders, York City, although their pleasure at this situation was tempered by the news that popular goalkeeper, Willie Boyd, had played his last game for the club through injury.

The good run continued as the season progressed. Away victories at Wrexham, Hereford and Bury followed as the Rovers pursued York City for the title. By the beginning of March, the "Minstermen" were only a point away, but suddenly Rovers lost their way with only two points from the last four games, and the teams were never as close again.

The Rovers sought to secure what they held by spending heavily on the transfer deadline. A club record £60,000 fee attracted John Philliben, a young defender from Stirling Albin, whilst the same total bought Jim Dobbin and Alan Brown from Celtic and Shrewsbury respectively. These purchases paid off handsomely, for despite the odd stutter, the Rovers were edging towards that promotion place.

The first home defeat came on the opening day of May, when Reading won 2-3, but two wins over the next six days did the trick and the Rovers were up, the final glory coming at Stockport County, where goals coming from Snodin and Moss clinched the points. The last fixture, a re-arranged fixture against Hartlepool, was lost, but this could not blight the Rovers achievements for the season. They had done brilliantly well, and their manager, Billy Bremner, could look back on a job well done.

The cup competitions were a disappointment with early exits in both. The Milk Cup saw them go out in the second round to Fulham whilst Mansfield Town took them out of the FA Cup in round one. A new competition, the Associate Members cup, specifically for 3rd and 4th Division clubs, saw the Rovers make the Regional Quarter Final stage, before losing to Burnley.

Leading scorers: Douglas 15, Moss 15, G Snodin 13