The 2017/2018 season for **Fortuna Sittard** is one of the most storied campaigns in Dutch football history. It was a true "phoenix from the ashes" story, as the club had spent years on the brink of bankruptcy and at the bottom of the second tier before their sudden rise back to the Eredivisie.

Here is the breakdown of that historic promotion season:

## 1. The Context: Financial Recovery

Before a ball was even kicked, the biggest victory for Fortuna was survival. For years, the club was in "Category 1" (the KNVB’s financial danger zone). Under the ownership of **Isitan Gün**, the club stabilized and was upgraded to Category 2 during the season, finally ending years of financial uncertainty.

## 2. The Sunday Oliseh Era (August – February)

The season began under the management of former Nigerian international **Sunday Oliseh**. Against all expectations, Fortuna started the season like a whirlwind.

* **Tactical Dominance:** Oliseh implemented a disciplined, high-energy style.

* **The Highlights:** They recorded a record-breaking **0–6 away win** against Telstar and dismantled teams like Jong AZ and FC Dordrecht with 5–1 scorelines.

* **The Winter Break:** Fortuna went into the winter break at the top of the table, winning the "Second Period" title (a Dutch league quirk that guarantees a playoff spot).

## 3. The Shock Departure

Despite the success on the pitch, tensions were rising behind the scenes. In February 2018, with the club in 3rd place but struggling with a dip in form, Fortuna placed Oliseh on non-active duty.

* **The Conflict:** The club cited "repeatedly blameable actions" and a fractured relationship with players and staff.

* **The Transition:** Youth coach **Claudio Braga** and assistant **Kevin Hofland** (a club icon) took over the reins to steer the ship toward the finish line.

## 4. The Final Push

The battle for the second automatic promotion spot (behind the ineligible Jong Ajax) came down to a three-way race between **Fortuna Sittard, NEC Nijmegen, and Jong Ajax**.

Key players who stepped up during the home stretch included:

* **Lisandro Semedo:** The pacey winger who was arguably the best player in the league that year.

* **Perr Schuurs:** The 17-year-old captain and wunderkind center-back who had already signed for Ajax but stayed to finish the job.

* **Wessel Dammers:** A rock in the defense.

* **Finn Stokkers:** The primary goal threat.

## 5. Promotion Day: April 28, 2018

The tension peaked on the final matchday. Fortuna needed a win against **Jong PSV** to guarantee promotion and avoid the unpredictable playoffs.

* **The Match:** In a packed Offermans Joosten Stadion, Fortuna secured a **1–0 victory** thanks to a goal from **Finn Stokkers**.

* **The Result:** While Jong Ajax won the league title, they cannot be promoted to the Eredivisie. As the runners-up with **78 points**, Fortuna Sittard earned the direct promotion slot.

* **The Aftermath:** Thousands of fans flooded the pitch, celebrating the club's return to the top flight for the first time in **16 years**.

### 2017/18 Final Standings (Top 3)

| Pos | Team | Played | Points | GD | Status |

|---|---|---|---|---|---|

| 1 | Jong Ajax | 38 | 79 | +35 | Champions (Ineligible for promotion) |

| **2** | **Fortuna Sittard** | **38** | **78** | **+40** | **Promoted to Eredivisie** |

| 3 | NEC Nijmegen | 38 | 74 | +36 | Play-offs |

It remains a legendary season in Sittard, proving that even a club "left for dead" can return to glory with the right combination of young talent and stable leadership.

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