Tight grip: Palace defender Danny Butterfield gets ahead of Lee Trundle, but the Bristol City had the last laugh with the goal that put his side ahead last night Getty Images
Manager Neil Warnock says Crystal Palace must spend to mount a promotion challenge next season.
Palace's Premiership ambitions ended with a 2-1 defeat at Bristol City last night, which saw the Eagles go down 4-2 on aggregate.
Although they were pipped by City, the Palace boss believes he can emulate Robins boss Gary Johnson by making the kind of signings that see Palace mount a promotion push in 2008-09.
"I think £2m is the difference between us in what Gary has spent on Lee Trundle, Dele Adebola, Michael McIndoe and Nick Carle," said Warnock.
"When you have got a good side and you can get your players in you can see that little bit that is there that we will have to do."
Warnock sportingly showed his respect for the job that Johnson has done by walking up to his rival boss in the dying seconds of extra-time and firmly shaking his hand.
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With some newcomers added to the young talent he has introduced into the Palace line-up this season, Warnock believes the Eagles can go one step further next season.
"We will have to spend a few quid to brush up on the squad.
"Bristol City have bought very carefully and very well.
"You may not think they have spent that sort of money, but they have.
"Our next step is to try and bring three or four players in who supplement the squad like they have."
Extra-time goals from Lee Trundle and Michael McIndoe took City to Wembley on a night of drama at Ashton Gate.
Earlier, skipper Ben Watson had spectacularly headed Palace in front on the night, and level on aggregate, after 24 minutes.
But the pivotal moment came in the 72nd minute after Tom Soares had been brought down, but Watson's penalty crashed against the post.
Despite the obvious disappointment of coming so close to a place at Wembley, Warnock is intensely proud of his side's achievements this season.
When Warnock arrived at Selhurst Park, he expected to be fighting a relegation battle, but two long unbeaten runs saw his side dramatically clinch a play-off spot.
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