The 2005-06 campaign was a season of soaring ambition and ultimate heartbreak for Crystal Palace as The Eagles clinched a 6th-place finish in the Championship, securing a play-off spot for an immediate return to the top flight. Spearheading the charge was their talisman, Andrew Johnson, who had stayed despite relegation and whose 15 league goals proved vital. The promotion dream died abruptly with a comprehensive play-off semi-final loss to Watford, which triggered the departure of manager Iain Dowie and the emotional sale of star striker Johnson to Everton, marking a pivotal end to the push for the Premier League.