The 2005/06 season ended in disappointment for Feyenoord. The team challenged for the Dutch Championship for most of the season, but eventually lost out to PSV. The newly created Dutch play-offs then proved to be gloomy for Feyenoord. Ajax, which finished several points behind in the regular league, was Feyenoord's opponent in the play-offs. Ajax outclassed them and Feyenoord lost out on a Champions League place. During the summer break Feyenoord had to sell two of their key players, Salomon Kalou and the very popular Dirk Kuyt. Only a small amount of the money became available to invest in new players. When Angelos Charisteas was signed from archrivals Ajax to replace Dirk Kuyt hundreds of die-hard fans pressured the Feyenoord board to force Van den Herik to resign.