Career
Rowbotham played for Cheddleton Mental Hospital before joining Portuguese Vale in April 1931. He was released upon the end of the season and moved on to Southampton via Hyde United. He did not feature in the 1932-1933 season and moved on to Accrington Stanley, playing four Third Division North games in 1933-1934.
He then scored 14 goals in 59 Third Division North games for Barrow in 1934-1935 and 1935-1936.
Rowbotham played 19 Third Division North games for Rochdale in 1936-1937, scoring one goal, before he joined non-league Tunbridge Wells Rangers.