FC Emmen entered Dutch professional football back in 1985 and this club has been a regular in the first division ever since. The recent finishing spots (fourth in 2015 and seventh in 2016) were actually a bit better than expected, which resulted in a positive mindset at the start of this campaign. FC Emmen didn't have the budget or the stadium to compete with big clubs like NAC Breda, De Graafschap and SC Cambuur, but a play-off spot was the main mission again. Dick Lukkien's men produced a decent campaign and their ninth position was just enough to enter the deciding play-offs. The Emmen outfit knocked RKC Waalwijk out of the competition, but the matches against Eredivisie side NEC Nijmegen were simply a bridge too far. Emmen recorded a 1-3 defeat in the own Jens Vesting Stadium and they failed to prevent the defeat in Nijmegen as well: 1-0.
FC Emmen produced a steady campaign to be honest, but it wasn't that spectacular. The lack of goals became a discussion at some point as FC Emmen only produced 50 goals in 38 matches, which was the worst production in the top ten. The defence however saved the day. FC Emmen defended well throughout the season and the quality at the back eventually resulted in the ticket for the play-offs. FC Emmen only conceded 40 goals and VVV-Venlo and Jong PSV were in fact the only teams who performed better.
The fans will be satisfied with this outcome and result as FC Emmen did what it had to be done. The team entered the play-offs and they recorded some decent results from time to time, but it just wasn't enough to enter the Eredivisie. This wasn't a shame at all though. The outfit managed to live up to the expectations, which was the main mission.
