Rowland started with career rising through the Port Vale junior ranks to sign professionally with the club for the start of the 2001–02 season. He scored his first – and only – senior goal on 29 December, in a 3–1 win over Colchester United at Vale Park, and finished the campaign with 29 appearances to his name.
Rowland began his professional career by advancing through Port Vale's youth team to join the club for the start of the 2001–02 season. He achieved his sole senior goal on December 29 in a 3–1 victory over Colchester United at Vale Park, and accumulated 29 appearances throughout the year.