Russell Martin insists Swansea City aren't far away from turning themselves into play-off contenders next season.
The Swans saw their faint top-six hopes ended with a 1-1 draw at Hull City in their penultimate fixture of the season, after Luke Cundle's strike cancelled out an early Ben Cabango own goal.
The result leaves Swansea five points adrift of the top six heading into the final day showdown with West Bromwich Albion next week.
Sneaking into the play-off positions was always a slim possibility, but given the permutations needed elsewhere, but Martin insists his players are still disappointed to have missed out.
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Speaking after the game on Humberside, Martin said: "They are disappointed in the dressing room, which I think shows how far they've come as a group in terms of their mentality and what they expect from each other.
"We have one more game to finish. To finish really strongly and keep this run going and make everyone feel really positive about the summer and the lads can go away and feel good about themselves."
Martin has once again welcomed the news of possible fresh investment into the club, but reiterated that he doesn't expect it to signal any big spending over the summer window.
However, he's adamant the club don't need to splash the cash in order to compete next season.
"I think we can achieve something without a huge amount of help," he added. "That's how I genuinely feel about it. I hope that [the investment] will give us clarity moving forward and a bit more freedom to get the people we really need without stretching us financially or making a big difference to the wage structure because it's something we just can't do.
"We feel like we're probably two or three missing pieces away from being really, really competing. We felt like that for both of the seasons we've been here. So hopefully we can address that. If we do, then the way the team plays, the way it looks, the way everyone believes in it. Hopefully it gives us a chance."
Martin's comments come after news emerged of the possible appointment of a sporting director, although the Swans boss says he's unaware of any developments.
"I spoke to you guys about the potential new investment coming, which I know about and the people involved in that, who I know, because I've met them. I've said before that it's really positive news. Anything they've decided outside of that at this minute in time. I genuinely haven't had that conversation.
"The last thing I knew the investment stuff wasn't quite finalised, so we're waiting on a little bit of clarity on everything as much as you guys are.
"I get told when the time's right. It's not something I get involved in or need to get involved in. My job is to coach the team and that's a job I love. It's a team I love watching and I think reflects us as people and personalities, and our idea of the game.
"So I'll carry on doing that and once whatever happens happens I'm sure I'll be told at the appropriate time."
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