ADY Pennock says the pain of missing out on Wembley has made him even more determined to fire Forest Green to success next season.

Pennock is refusing to dwell on the frustration of the play-off semi-final defeat against Bristol Rovers at a packed Memorial Stadium on Sunday

His side turned in an insipid performance,where strikes from Bristolian Chris Lines and former Forest Green favourite Matty Taylor secured a comfortable 2-0 win for the Pirates and consigned the Nailsworth side to an 18th successive season of Conference football.

Pennock was most chipper in his post-match interview, he said: “It’s been a fantastic season and I don’t want anybody to feel disappointed at all.

“Bristol Rovers deserved to go through over the two games, but I think everybody should be very proud of themselves.

“When you look at the set-up and the stadium Bristol Rovers are not really a Conference club, so fair play to them, and we’ve got to take it on the chin and move on.

“We didn’t play anywhere near as well as we can in either of the games, and maybe that was down to a little bit of pressure."

Pennock insists the club have come a long way and expects the team to grow from the expereince.

"We've broken records this season with our highest ever finish and points total - it’s a good learning curve for us and the club has come a long way, so we’ll be stronger for this experience.”

Meanwhile, Sam Russell and James Norwood are heading for the New Lawn exit.

Goalkeeper and fans' favourite Russell and Norwood have already taken to social media to announce their goodbyes along with Chris Stokes,who has been on loan at Coventry City.

Pennock confirmed Russell's exit and he is expected to be joined by Stuart Fleetwood, James Marwood, Luke Oliver, Kieron Forbes, Tom Bender and Corby Moore.

Russell's three-year tenure at Rovers was effectively ended when Pennock axed the in-form keeper in February after 144 consecutive league games.

Pennock said: “I’ve already spoken to Sam Russell and he is going to leave. I wish him all the best because he’s been fantastic for this football club.”

But defender Aarran Racine has been offered a new deal and is set to put pen to paper this week.