The 2009-10 campaign was a turbulent season of unfulfilled promise for Preston North End as The Lilywhites struggled for consistency and eventually finished 17th in the Championship. Leading the charge in the league were joint top scorers Neil Mellor and Jon Parkin, whose 10 goals apiece provided the crucial attacking spark. It was a memorable year that featured a huge 7-0 FA Cup victory over Colchester United before a Fourth Round clash with Chelsea, but was ultimately defined by managerial upheaval and mid-season inconsistency that prevented a greater push up the table.