During the 2000–01 and 2001–02 seasons, Rochdale A.F.C. enjoyed a highly competitive period in the Football League Third Division. In the 2000–01 campaign, the team finished 8th under manager Steve Parkin, narrowly missing out on the promotion play-offs while relying on top goalscorers Paul Connor and Clive Platt. The subsequent 2001–02 season brought even greater drama; after a superb start, Parkin was poached by Barnsley in November, leading to the appointment of John Hollins. Hollins successfully guided Rochdale to a 5th-place finish and the club's first-ever appearance in the promotion play-offs, where they were ultimately eliminated 4–3 on aggregate by Rushden & Diamonds in the semi-finals, despite a standout 17-goal season from striker Kevin Townson.