Born in 1922 in South Kirkby, Clarrie Jordan made an impact in local football while working as a miner at the local colliery. Rovers signed him just before the outbreak of World War Two and he starred in wartime football, guesting for Birmingham City, Leeds United and Derby County as well as playing for Rovers. His occupation meant that he was not called up for active service.
When League Football resumed in 1946-47, Clarrie established himself at centre-forward in the Rovers team that took Division Three (North) by storm. He scored his first goal in his second League game, a 3-1 win at Chester, and went on to establish a club record, scoring 42 goals to beat the previous record (40) set by Tom Keetley.
He scored three hat-tricks in the space of four League games and formed an effective partnership with inside forwards Paul Todd and Jackie Thompson and wingers Jackie Kirkaldie and Ralph Maddison.
A powerfully built player with a fierce shot, Clarrie continued to combine football with his work as a miner, often turning out for Rovers after a shift at the coalface.
Having helped Rovers to win the Division Three North Title for 1946-47, Clarrie took his Rovers tally to a round 50 goals in only 67 senior appearances during 1947-48. In February 1948 he finally became a full-time footballer when he was transferred to Sheffield Wednesday for £6,000 plus a player (Arnold Lowes) and while at Hillsborough he helped the Owls earn promotion to Division One in 1949-50.
In all he scored 36 goals in 92 League games for Wednesday before retiring in 1955 due to a persistent knee injury. Later he became a licensee, notably at The Schoolboy at Norton. He died in 1992, aged 69. His record for goalscoring in a single season for Rovers is likely to stand for all time.
Rovers Debut: 17th November 1945, FA Cup 1st Round vs. Rotherham United (home) Lost 0-1.
Final game: 24th January 1948, Division Two vs. West Ham United (away) Lost 1-2.
Career: Football League: 60 appearances, 48 goals. All senior games: 67 appearances, 50 goals
Honours: Division Three (North) Champions 1946-47.