The 2008-09 campaign delivered a year of unforgettable drama for Scunthorpe United as The Iron, under manager Nigel Adkins, clinched a spectacular promotion back to the Championship by finishing 6th in League One. The season was defined by the stunning form of prolific forward Gary Hooper, whose 24 goals fired the team, and their incredible journey back to Wembley. Despite the earlier heartbreak of losing the Football League Trophy Final, they achieved glory in the League One Play-Off Final, defeating Millwall 3-2 with a heroic performance featuring a brace from Matt Sparrow and a late, decisive goal from Martyn Woolford. This success, secured after a tense penalty shoot-out victory against MK Dons in the semi-finals, marked their immediate return to the second tier and remains a defining chapter in the club's modern history.