Jordan Clark admitted yesterday's result hurt – but hopes today's trophy parade will ease that disappointment.
The Reds were crowned champions of League Two with one game to play but fell short in the final game of the campaign with a 3-0 loss at Swindon Town yesterday.
However, Clark knows that when the fans come out in their numbers around the town hall at 5pm today and, with the Player of the Season Awards afterwards, the Stanley squad will go back to reflecting on the good times this season.
“I am disappointed as we don't like to lose,” said the winger.
“We have had a habit of winning all season and that's what has got us to where we are, league champions.
“We didn't played well enough at Swindon. We didn't deserve to win so it's disappointing, especially for the fans who travelled. We have let the fans down and ourselves down. It was a bad day at the office.
“But we have to take the positives from an unbelievable season. We didn't want to finish like this as you go into the summer knowing you have lost the last game of the season and played rubbish.
“However, today will be enjoyable with the parade and the Player of the Season awards, and we will start thinking positive again and enjoy it all with the fans.”
Clark picked out his highlight of the season – “It was the win at Luton. To go from being so far behind them at one point and then to go above them with a last minute winner and everyone celebrated – that was the moment.”
And the former Shrewsbury wideman is relishing a return to playing in League One.
“I love playing football, I can't wait for next season already. We will enjoy the summer and then be ready to go again and see what League One has to offer.
“I have played a few games in League One, obviously there are bigger sides who come down from the Championship, like Sunderland this season.
“It's a jump up in class with better players but we know we are good enough to play in that league, we will be relishing it, not fearing anyone.
“We have got a good team spirit, good quality, we like to pass it and when you go higher in the league, I think the more you pass it, that's the way to play. We can't wait.”