Grant Leadbitter says Sunderland's play-off heartbreak last season will fuel their desire to achieve promotion this season.
The Black Cats suffered last-minute disappointment at Wembley in May as Charlton's late goal resulted in them failing to achieve promotion from League One.
For Leadbitter, a lifelong supporter of the club, it was another bitter blow which came just weeks after his mother died.
The veteran midfielder received plenty of love and praise from supporters after turning in a superb performance to get Jack Ross' side to Wembley in the first place, just 48 hours after his mother's death.
And posting on Instagram for the first time since that play-off semi-final at Portsmouth, Leadbitter thanked supporters for their love, and vowed to be back stronger next season.
He said: "I just wanted to say a big thank you for all the support and messages Myself and sisters have received over the past couple of months during a tough family period.
"The season didn’t end the way we all wanted, it hurt and will continue to hurt but we have to use it to come back stronger going into pre-season to succeed.
"As the saying goes, you get knocked down, you learn and get back up stronger and better. #together"
The 33-year-old is due back at the Academy of Light on Tuesday as Sunderland's pre-season gets under way ahead of the new season. Sunderland will be aiming for a top two finish this time around, to avoid the lottery that is the play-offs.
