The 2009-10 campaign delivered a dramatic, hard-fought survival for Scunthorpe as The Iron clung onto their Championship status, finishing a crucial 20th in their first season back in the second tier. Leading the charge was the prolific forward Gary Hooper, whose 19 goals were vital in a season built on the determined management of Nigel Adkins and a memorable defeat of eventual champions Newcastle United. It was a critical year that marked their top-tier return and remains a defining chapter before Hooper's post-season move to Celtic.