Watford manager Gianfranco Zola has vowed to bounce back after losing out to Crystal Palace in the Championship playoff final this afternoon.

Kevin Phillips scored a penalty in the first half of extra time to secure a 1-0 win for Palace in a surprisingly quiet final between the Championship's two top scorers.

However, Zola believes that even reaching the final was a big achievement for his side, and claims that they have plenty more to offer.

"We're going to be stronger next year. This is not the end of the road for us, this is just the beginning," he said.

"I think it has been a big bonus for us to be playing this game today.

"I enjoy what I'm doing here and I'm going to make sure even my contribution is going to be better next year."

Zola reached the playoff final in his first season in charge of the Hornets having joined the club in July 2012.