Watford manager Gianfranco Zola has insisted that he has "no regrets" over the way that his side have played this season.

The Italian guided his team to the final of the Championship playoffs, but their route to the Premier League was blocked by Crystal Palace, who ran out 1-0 winners at Wembley this afternoon.

However, despite admitting that he is disappointed with the outcome, Zola has stated that his players will be "stronger" for the experience.

"Obviously, it is not a great moment for me but I have no regrets," he told BBC Sport. "It has been a great season for us as we have done something not many people expected. Games like this are very much on the day, and the better team was Crystal Palace.

"We have to be honest, it has been remarkable. We had a lot of fun this year. We are going to make a stronger team. The players we believe are good enough, and if we want them to stay, they stay.

"I love the atmosphere and the people working with me. Everyone is really good and the supporters are exceptional."

Zola, 46, was appointed to the Vicarage Road helm last summer.