Rose began his playing career in the Football League with Barnsley, where he was tipped to go to the top following several youth international honours.
Following his release from Barnsley against medical advice Rose resurrected his career with brief spells at Mansfield and Rochdale before finally moving to Scarborough.
During his spell at Scarborough under Russell Slade he became a fans favourite and was key part in the 2004 FA Cup run where he scored the winning against Doncaster Rovers which featured on BBC Match of the Day.
The cup run ended when Premier League Chelsea knocked the Sea Dogs out with a 1–0 win at the sold-out McCain Stadium.
Rose managed the South Emsall club for five seasons winning the Sheffield Senior cup on fur occasions and leading them to the heights of a seventh-place finish, their highest since the mid 1980s.