Crystal Palace had been boosted by the decision by the Premiership's top English goalscorer of the previous season,
Andrew Johnson, to remain with the Londoners to fire their bid for a return to the top flight. Although Johnson was less prolific this season, scoring only 15 goals, Palace reached the play-offs in sixth place – the position they had finished in the promotion season of 2004. Palace faced third-placed
Watford in the semi-finals – they were comprehensively beaten 3–0 in the first leg, and were only able to draw the second leg 0–0, consigning Palace to another season in the Championship. Manager Iain Dowie was soon on his way out, leaving by mutual consent on 22 May. Dowie claimed he wanted to be closer to his family in the north; he would take up the vacancy at London rivals
Charlton Athletic a mere eight days later. He was followed out of
Selhurst Park by Johnson, who snubbed
Wigan Athletic and
Bolton Wanderers to join
Everton for £8.6 million. In June, Palace appointed
Hull City manager (and former Palace winger)
Peter Taylor as Dowie's successor. ==Kit==