The 2021-22 campaign was a season of deep struggle and heartbreak for Doncaster Rovers as the club finished a crushing 22nd in League One, resulting in a devastating relegation to the fourth tier of English football after five seasons in the division. Amidst a turbulent year that saw a mid-season managerial change from Richie Wellens to Gary McSheffrey, the side struggled desperately for goals and consistency, reflected in a -45 goal difference. Leading the line with defiance was the veteran Tommy Rowe, whose 7 league goals proved a rare bright spot and earned him the club's Player of the Year award in a campaign defined by inconsistency and the ultimate, painful drop to League Two.