Chairman Roland Wycherley today insisted Shrewsbury Town’s promotion near miss will spur them on to greater heights next season.

The disappointment of Town missing out on a place in League One by one point – Wycombe’s well publicised phantom goal proving crucial in the race for the third automatic promotion spot – before losing in the play-offs to Torquay continues to be felt.

But Greenhous Meadow supremo Wycherley insists Town will be stronger for the experience when they launch a fresh promotion tilt in August.

“The full impact of the goal that never was which led to Wycombe taking a point they wrongfully gained and to them taking our automatic promotion spot hurts everyone associated with our club,” said Wycherley in an end-of-season message.

“The financial implication of that wrong decision, in terms of the lost revenue, is enormous.

“As Chairman, I have overseen several years of unprecedented investment in the team and the football structure which, by rights, should have led to a successful conclusion this season.

“But we cannot turn back the clock and our protestations to the Football League will not change the situation.

“What this disappointing scenario has left us with is a renewed resolve and a determined spirit to drive us on to promotion next season.

“We will not be deflected from our goal of achieving higher league status.”

Wycherley also hailed Town’s fans for their “incredible support”, as well as highlighting the job of boss Graham Turner on his first season back.

“We all share in the disappointment of missing out on automatic promotion and then in the play-off semi finals,” he added.

“However, to achieve the play-offs three times in the past five seasons, and to accumulate our highest points total for 17 years and a very creditable 11 away wins, indicates to me that we are moving very much in the right direction.

“Graham has sought to change the squad this season and has brought in young players who have been given the opportunity to step up to the mark – and how well they have done.”

By JAMES GARRISON