Northampton Town Chairman David Cardoza has spoken of his frustration and disappointment at the club's relegation to League 2, but said that he fully expects the side to bounce back next season.

"Of course I am hurt, angry, frustrated and disappointed, just like every supporter of this club," he said.

"Mistakes have been made this season, and it is important we learn from those mistakes. We know that League 2 will not be easy, we remember how difficult it was to get out of League 2 last time, but it is our expectation and intention to bounce back at the first attempt.

"People rightly judge the success of a club by the performance of the first team, but off the field the club is currently in good health. We are seeing a number of commercial and marketing plans come to fruition, and despite the current climate we have secured a number of new commercial partners in recent times. Our Community work is held up by the Football League as an example to others and only last Thursday we had a very positive meeting with the Council about the re-development and I am sure we have made a breakthrough in that area.

"The relegation has not affected our determination to take the club forward in the long term. Of course relegation is a set back, but I expect it to only be a temporary set back and we will come back stronger.

"Sitting around moping will not help us, we have to take relegation on the chin, have a full debrief and learn the lessons of this season, particularly learning from the mistakes that have been made.

"Stuart Gray will be given the chance to bring us back up next season, and work starts now to plan and strengthen the squad for the campaign ahead.

"I would like to thank everyone who has purchased a season ticket for next season. To do so while our status was not certain was a tremendous show of loyalty and I hope and expect to see that loyalty rewarded with a successful season next season, culminating with promotion back to League One in May."