WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?

1998

The Westferry Consortium buy the club and bring in John Ryan. The cosmetic surgery kingpin takes over at the end of Rovers’ first season in the Conference, saying he wants to lead them back to the second tier and move to a new stadium within 10 years.

2003

After finishing 3rd, Donny win the first Conference play-off final, defeating Dagenham 3-2 after extra time at Stoke’s Britannia Stadium. It’s the one and only time a ‘golden goal’ is used in non-league’s promotion showpiece, scored by Francis Tierney.

2004

Doncaster romp to Third Division glory and secure back-to-back promotions. They lose just one of their final 18 league matches to head the table by four points from Hull. It’s the club’s first league title since winning the Fourth Division back in 1968-69.

2006

Rovers eliminate Premier League pair Manchester City and Aston Villa en route to the League Cup quarter-finals. They are seconds from the semis when Arsenal equalise in the last minute of extra time at Belle Vue, before winning 3-1 on penalties.

2007

Ryan’s dream of building a new ground in a decade is realised as Doncaster welcome Huddersfield to the all-seater Keepmoat Stadium on January 1. A near-15,000 full house watch a comfortable 3-0 Donny victory and three players getting sent off.

2008

After a trio of top-half finishes in League One, Doncaster come 3rd and win the play-offs. James Hayter’s header sees off Leeds in front of 75,000 supporters at Wembley, ensuring Rovers’ return to the second tier for the first time since 1957-58.