Port Vale's relegation to League Two has been a bitter pill to swallow, but defender Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel is making no excuses. The 28-year-old full-back has admitted the squad's performance this season "has not been good enough" and that a serious promotion push in 2026-27 is non-negotiable.

For most of a grueling campaign, Vale's return to the fourth tier seemed inevitable. They finished 22nd—10 points adrift of safety—with a 24th league loss coming in their final home game, a 2-0 defeat to champions Lincoln City. It was their third loss in four matches, a stark reminder of how far they've fallen.

"Things haven't gone right this season, and I know the players and staff know that," Lawrence-Gabriel told BBC Radio Stoke. "But next season is about getting us back to where we want to be—where the fans want to be. It's a really important season."

After Darren Moore was sacked in December with the club 10 points from safety following 21 games, former Northampton Town boss Jon Brady stepped in. While Brady masterminded an incredible FA Cup run to the quarter-finals, league form remained elusive. He's already stressed the need for a summer squad overhaul to fuel a return to League One—a sentiment Lawrence-Gabriel echoes.

"If we can add quality, that obviously helps us," he said. "But I know the club will do what they can to strengthen. The players coming in need to make sure their names are in the manager's mind for pre-season."

Lawrence-Gabriel, who has one year left on his contract, is determined to be part of the solution. The former Nottingham Forest and Blackpool full-back knows the road ahead won't be easy, but he's ready for the fight. "My ambition is to play as high as possible, but I wouldn't have come to Port Vale if I thought it would be easy. I'm always up for a challenge. We'll speak with the club and there'll be a plan. I want to be playing in League One—so if I'm here next season, like I am, I'll give everything to make that happen."

For Port Vale fans, the message is clear: this season was a wake-up call, and the response starts now.