 Rob went on to cement a first team place at centre back alongside youngster Ryan Bennett, who had become the club's new captain, replacing Matt Heywood, who had been dropped due to poor performances.Atkinson and Bennett both were integral parts of the Grimsby squad that helped stave off relegation out of the Football League.During the 2009–10 season The Mariners suffered an eventual relegation, bowing out on the final day of the season.