The 2009-10 campaign was a season of dramatic moments and hard-fought consolidation for Derby County, with The Rams ultimately securing a safe 14th-place finish in the Championship under Nigel Clough in his first full season. Though the side struggled for much of the year, a 'purple patch' of form delivered unforgettable victories, including a famous 1-0 win over bitter rivals Nottingham Forest, ending their 19-match unbeaten run, and an emphatic 3-0 defeat of eventual champions Newcastle United. Leading the charge was the ever-reliable centre-forward Rob Hulse, whose 12 goals were crucial in the battle for stability. It was a year defined by on-pitch drama and the immense, loyal support of the Pride Park faithful, who boasted the second-highest average attendance in the entire division.