Stevenage manager Alex Revell hopes his side can take inspiration from Stockport County after their League One play-off exit.
Revell’s side were beaten 2-0 in their second leg to lose 3-0 on aggregate against a Stockport side that suffered defeat at the same stage last season.
It brings to an end a campaign in which Stevenage finished sixth in League One to clinch the final play-off spot and match the club’s best-ever finish to a season.
“We’re all gutted, absolutely gutted, and it’s going to take us a little while to get over it, but Stockport were here last year,” Revell told BBC Three Counties Radio.
“We have to use that now – use what they did last summer this season to make sure that we finish better than we have now.”
He added: “I think what the players have achieved this year, we won’t feel it now because we’re all disappointed, but I’m really proud to manage this team and this group and to get to where we’ve got to.
“Tonight we just fell short. Over the two legs we’ve probably just fallen short if I’m honest but no blame on these players in terms of how hard they work for this football club.”
‘This group is so special’
Having conceded two first-half goals, Stevenage tried to mount a comeback in the second period and, but for a number of fine saves from Stockport goalkeeper Corey Addai, could well have got back into the tie.
While Revell knows some of his squad will move on this summer, he is hopeful he can keep as many of the group as possible in order to mount another challenge in 12 months’ time.
“We all know that this time of year is meetings with players and things to discuss what’s next,” he said.
“I think the focus has been on the play-offs, our focus has been on trying to get through these two games.
“Now it’s about rebuilding and making sure that this group is strong again next year.
“This group is so special – I love working with them all – and we’ve got to make sure we protect that.”