Paul Lambert has paid tribute to Stoke City's players for their efforts in trying to keep the club in the Premier League over the last 15 games.
The Potters fell to a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace on Saturday to end their decade-long tenure in the top flight.
Lambert, who arrived at Stoke on a two-and-a-half-year contract in January following the departure of Mark Hughes, insists that the club is in a good position to rebuild and bounce back to the top flight.
"It's difficult to sum up my emotions because it's not long after the game and your emotions are up and down but I can't have asked for more effort," the Scot told BBC Sport at full time.
"We lost out way in the second half but can't ask for more commitment. They've gave us everything in the last 15 games. I wish I wasn't here because that would mean they'd be in a far better and more stable position.
"But the story of the 15 games I've been here for has been exceptional effort and commitment. The club is in a good position to rebuild and either way they had to rebuild.
"The supporters have backed us to the hilt and I feel it for them. Even after the game they waited to cheer us on."
Lambert has won just one league match since taking charge at the bet365 Stadium.
