As a player, he was a defender who notably played in the Premier League for Coventry City and West Ham United.
Rowland was signed by AFC Bournemouth manager Harry Redknapp, making his league debut appearance against Darlington on 17 August 1991.
In the summer of 1993, with Redknapp now assistant manager to Billy Bonds at West Ham, Rowland, was signed for £110,000 alongside midfielder Paul Mitchell.
[2] Rowland played 91 games in all competitions for West Ham, scoring only one goal, in a 1–1 away draw against Newcastle United in November 1996.
[3] Rowland made his QPR debut in January 1998 against Stockport County and went on to make 56 league appearances, scoring three goals.
He stayed at the QPR until August 2001, which included a period on loan, at Luton Town, before moving to Chesterfield on a free transfer.