The final fixture of the season pitted Nigel Adkins against his former club. When the fixtures were announced in June 2015 many supporters would have been dreaming of this fixture being a celebration of United's successful season, winning promotion back into the Championship. Fallowing a failed season of lacklustre performances and woeful results, the club failed in their aspirations in gaining promotion.
Scunthorpe won the last day battle by two goals to nil. The Iron had an opportunity of making the play-offs and a win went a long way into achieving this, but Barnsley's big win at league winners Wigan Athletic which edged the Tykes into 6th spot on goal difference. United finished 11th to equal their lowest ever finish since 1983 and as a result of such a drab season, despite mixed opinions with the supporters, it ultimately cost Adkins his job at SUFC.
United's answer to the 2016/17 promotion charge would be the appointment of Chris Wilder whom had just guided Northampton Town to the League Two title, and immediately announced his retainer list. The club decide to release ten players whom are out of contract this summer; Mark Howard, Bob Harris, Callum McFadzean, Terry Kennedy, Harrison McGahey, Florent Cuvelier, Ryan Flynn, Jose Baxter, Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Captain Jay McEveley will all leave on a free transfer. Alex Baptiste (Middlesbrough), David Edgar (Birmingham City) and Conor Sammon (Derby County) all return to their parent clubs following the completion of their loan deals with United.
Meabnwhile Dean Hammond, Kieron Freeman, Kieran Wallace, James Wallace, Paul Coutts, Martyn Woolford and Diego De Girolamo are all transfer listed and allowed to find new clubs.
Nigel Adkins was dismissed of his managerial duties at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United 0-2 Scunthorpe United
Sunday, 8th May 2016 - League One
Scunthorpe's 2-0 win at Sheffield United was not enough to see them secure a SkyBet League One play-off spot, following Barnsley's victory over Wigan. The home side made the early running with David Edgar having a header touched wide by keeper Luke Daniels and Chris Basham seeing his shot blocked. After Scunthorpe's Luke Williams had a long-range shot easily saved by George Long, the hosts continued to press with Alex Baptise's effort blocked and Billy Sharp putting a low shot only just wide following a one-two with Che Adams.
But it was Scunthorpe who opened the scoring when Hakeeb Adelakun slipped the ball through to Paddy Madden, whose shot was parried by Long and Tom Hopper followed up to fire into the net in the 39th minute. Adelakun then had a long-range shot saved by Long in the closing stages of the half. Sharp had a low shot from distance saved by Daniels before, in the 64th minute, Madden added a second with a deflected 20-yard effort.
Final League One Table
