Paul Heffernan joined Rovers on loan from Doncaster Rovers on 8 February 2010 in order to replace Darryl Duffy, who had joined Carlisle United on loan a week earlier. He joined on loan initially for a month, later extended to three months, and eventually to the end of the 2009–10 season. Heffernan was recalled early to Doncaster on 4 April however, due to an injury crisis at the club. This resulted in Darryl Duffy, who was on loan at Carlisle United, having to be recalled to the Memorial Stadium to cover his absence.