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Cardiff boss Mackay looks to next season

Malky Mackay

Proud Cardiff manager Malky Mackay has begun to plot next season's assault on promotion to the Premier League after the disappointment of play-off defeat.

Cardiff's hopes this year were ended by West Ham's 5-0 aggregate win in the semi-finals, losing 3-0 in the second leg at Upton Park on Monday.

"The more ruthless team won, but I am very proud of my players at the end of a long, hard season," said Mackay following the game.

"We looked a tired team and my job now is to make sure we have far more strength in depth next season. I will meet with my backroom staff and we will step up our plans to make sure that happens straight away.

"We have to kick on quickly and bring in the players we need. Look at West Ham's squad and the strength they have through their squad. We can't match West Ham financially, but we can make sure we have similar competition for places.

"The players could not have given any more in getting us to this point over the season. We were in the play-off semi-finals with Birmingham, Blackpool and West Ham - three teams who have come down from the Premier League and had the benefit of parachute payments.

"Now we have to work hard over the summer to make sure our progress continues. Now we know it's Championship football again in 2012-13 and we will work flat out to make sure we bring in the right players."