By Phil Gordos BBC Sport at Old Trafford

Gregory believes Wigan can come back stronger

Mike Gregory is backing his Wigan team to bounce back from their Tetley's Super League Grand Final heartbreak.

The Warriors became the first side from outside the top two to reach the end-of-season showpiece but were beaten 25-12 at Old Trafford by a powerful Bradford Bulls side.

"Our aim is to win the Grand Final next year, but there will be another 11 teams who will be looking to do exactly the same thing," said Gregory.

The former Great Britain forward has worked wonders at the JJB Stadium after taking over as caretaker boss following the sacking of Stuart Raper.

They went into Saturday's game on the back of an 11-match unbeaten run, a run that helped secure Gregory the job on a permanent basis.

But the Bulls were just two good for the Warriors as they added yet another trophy to their already bulging trophy cabinet.

"I'm proud of what we have achieved but I'm also feeling down because we've come to the biggest arena in rugby league and lost," said Gregory.

This team can go on over the next two years Wigan coach Mike Gregory

"I'll take this into pre-season and hopefully I'll become better and stronger for it."

Gregory felt the absence of scrum-half Adrian Lam proved a big blow to his side's hopes of winning the Grand Final.

"I think we missed the experience of Lammy," said the Warriors boss.

"Luke Robinson has been magnificent for us but some of Lammy's experience and guile may have helped."

But Gregory insisted teenager Robinson had not let the side down in any way.

"In the last 12 weeks Luke has come into his own," said Gregory.

"I'm proud of what he has achieved.

"Sean O'Loughlin is also only a baby and this team can go on over the next two years.

"We have started something and these lads now know what it is like to reach a final."

Gregory said he felt Bradford's power had been the difference between the sides.

"Bradford were bigger and stronger in the collision," he said.