In the aftermath of a heartbreaking League One play-off exit, Stevenage manager Alex Revell is already looking ahead—and he wants his squad to take a page out of Stockport County's playbook. After falling 2-0 in the second leg (3-0 on aggregate) to a Stockport side that experienced their own play-off heartbreak last season, Revell sees a silver lining in the defeat.

"We're all gutted, absolutely gutted, and it's going to take us a little while to get over it," Revell told BBC Three Counties Radio. "But Stockport were here last year. 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."

Despite the sting of elimination, Stevenage had plenty to be proud of. Finishing sixth in League One to clinch the final play-off spot, they matched the club's best-ever finish to a season. "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," Revell added. "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."

After conceding two first-half goals, Stevenage mounted a spirited comeback in the second period. A series of brilliant saves from Stockport goalkeeper Corey Addai kept them at bay, but the fight was there. "This group is so special—I love working with them all—and we've got to make sure we protect that," Revell emphasized.

With the summer transfer window looming, Revell knows some players may move on, but his focus is on keeping the core intact. "We all know that this time of year is meetings with players and things to discuss what's next. Now it's about rebuilding and making sure that this group is strong again next year."

For Stevenage, the message is clear: learn from the pain, rebuild with purpose, and come back stronger. Just as Stockport did before them.