Brentford manager Andy Scott said a ninth-placed finish for his team was a "terrific" achievement.
The Bees confirmed their top-ten place, and climbed above Bristol Rovers into ninth, after a 0-0 final day draw with Hartlepool United.
The Bees boss said he could excuse his players a slightly lethargic performance and called on them to learn from this season and finish higher in the League One table next term.
Scott said: "As soon as Hartlepool had three points taken off this week [for fielding the suspended Gary Liddle in an Easter Monday win over Brighton and Hove Albion] it was always going to be a cagey affair.
"The players can be excused a little lethargy, we didn't want to get beat, we tried to win the game but we didn't have the spark.
"It never really looked like anyone was going to score, Myles [Weston] forced a good save from their keeper and we had a couple of good shouts for a penalty.
"They have given their all and deserve the holiday they will get now.
"Everyone has to learn from this year, we need to try and finish higher in the league - we have set our target for next year."
Hartlepool's point, coupled with other results, meant Gillingham were relegated and Scott said that proved what a job his team had done.
"Two promoted sides [Gillingham and Wycombe Wanderers] have been relegated and Exeter have clung on by the skin of their teeth.
"If we had finished 14th or 15th many people would have said it was a good season.
"To be in the top ten is terrific.
"We have won our mini league - the top eight sides have spent lots of money.
"We need to break into that next year."
See Andy Scott's full post-match press conference on Sunday morning.
By Chris Wickham
