Jackett promises Lions comeback

Kenny Jackett watches Millwall's promotion hopes end on Sunday

Millwall boss Kenny Jackett promises Lions fans that his side will roar back following Sunday's League One play-off final defeat to Scunthorpe at Wembley.

Jackett told BBC London 94.9: "We have to make sure we use this strong emotion to come back strongly next year.

"If you're real winners you pick yourself up and you go again.

"We've got to use that emotion which is extreme disappointment to make us stronger, better, fitter, and hungrier for next year to be successful."

Millwall took a staggering 45,000 Lions supporters (reportedly the largest ever turn-out from one club) to Wembley.

And Jackett was quick to praise the contribution of the club's fans over the course of the season.

"They've come out in their numbers," he said. "It shows the potential the club has to be successful and myself as manager if I can generate that then I'm doing a good job."

Millwall finished fourth in League One - six points ahead of the Iron, having beaten Leeds over two legs in the semis to reach Wembley.

But despite leading 2-1 with a brace of goals from Millwall fan Gary Alexander, Scunthorpe fought back to win 3-2.

I've missed a sitter. I'm absolutely gutted.

Two-goal Gary Alexander

It was a mixed afternoon for Alexander, whose spectacular long-range volley opened the scoring.

"I just took a chance and hit it on a big occasion," he said. "And luckily enough it flew into the top corner.

"But it counts for nothing at the end of the day. I'm not going to remember that goal after we lost the game. It's heartbreaking."

Alexander, who grew up supporting the Lions, then missed a free header when the scores were level in the second half.

"I've missed a sitter to put us 3-2 up and perhaps after that it wasn't to be our day," he added.

"I can't explain. I'm absolutely gutted to get ourselves back in front and then throw it away.

"We've got to show character now and come back pre-season ready to go again and put us in with another shout."

Defender Andrew Frampton added: "The lads have been fantastic all season and it comes down to one game and to not get a win you can see what it means to the fans.

"I don't know how we've ended up losing it.

"We were cruising it at 2-1 but it's just one of those things and it wasn't meant to be."