The 2017-18 campaign delivered ultimate heartbreak for Roda JC as Koempels finished a perilous 16th in the Eredivisie, forcing them into the tense relegation play-offs. Spearheading the attack were the joint top scorers, Simon Gustafson and Dani Schahin, whose 10 goals each proved vital, but the season was ultimately defined by their play-off defeat to Eerste Divisie side Almere City, which resulted in relegation and remains a painful chapter in the club's modern history.