The previous year's winners were VVV-Venlo; they, with runner-up RKC Waalwijk, after a promotion/relegation playoff win over De Graafschap, were promoted to the Eredivisie.
The league started with twenty teams, but was reduced to nineteen in January 2010 following the disbandment of debt-ridden HFC Haarlem.
All league games involving HFC Haarlem were cancelled and the number of teams that was relegated was consequently reduced to one.
Please note that the following teams: Sparta Rotterdam & Willem II joined the Eerste Divisie-teams for the playoffs, after finishing 16th and 17th in the Eredivisie.
Last updated: 9 April 2010; Source: Eerste divisie (official site) (in Dutch)