Paul Heckingbottom makes play-off final admission following Sheffield United defeat

The Sheffield United boss narrowly missed out on being able to lead his side out at Wembley Stadium for the game.

A penalty shootout defeat to Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals leaves the Blades to prepare for another campaign in the second division.

But the 44-year old has been able to reflect on what has been a good campaign for the club.

The Blades boss took over the club midway through the campaign with the side 16th in the table after 19 games.

A great second half of the season led to a 5th place finish, which earned a play-off place.

Speaking with SUTV, the United manager has taken plenty of positives from what has ultimately been a disappointing conclusion to the campaign.

“The final result is probably only just sinking in now, the disappointment of it,” said Heckingbottom, via Yorkshire Live.

“Our season’s over, I certainly won’t be watching the Play-off Final.

“The season as a whole has been a rollercoaster, lots of ups and downs and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, I just wish it would’ve gone on longer. 

“There’s lots of things we can be pleased with but it’s tough to be pleased when you wish you’d have got something more out of it so they’re my overriding feelings. 

“We’ll move straight onto next season and begin the planning ready to start next season really well.”

“I think things have been positive, the players have been fantastic, the staff have been great, the support from the fans has been superb.

“That’s the disappointment because there’s so much effort gone in and we’ve really enjoyed the games both home and away, bringing that connection back with the fans and the team.”

The play-off final comes this weekend as Forest take on Huddersfield Town, with the winner set to earn a place in the Premier