Davy Fitzgerald has hailed the people of Wexford as the reason why he decided to continue on as their inter-county manager.
Wexford beat Dublin and Offaly but failed to qualify for the Leinster final after losing to both Galway and Kilkenny.
They beat Westmeath in a preliminary All-Ireland quarter-final only to fall short to Clare by seven points in their next match.
Speaking to Off the Ball's Maire Treasa Ni Cheallaigh, Fitzgerald was in positive mood saying: "Yeah, I'm back for another year and looking forward to what's to come.
"We were one point away from getting to a Leinster final. I think we were very unlucky on that night too, to tell you the truth.
"The difference between this year and last - last year we were in 1B and this year we were in 1A - it was like a championship game every Sunday. If you look at it, we probably had to get up probably before the championship started we have the equivalent of nine championship games because of the Walsh Cup semi-final and final as well.
"So I just found that we had a lot more top class games which probably we petered out as the championship went on but I'm extremely proud. Of the 15 games we played at top class - we won nine or ten of them so I can't ask anymore of than that. People will say 'Have they made improvements?' - if you really look back, you'll see them. There's massive improvements.
"They've beaten teams they didn't beat for years and years and they've had great victories and hopefully there's more to come.
Asked why he decided to continue in the role, he said: "I love the people - love the people. I love the vibe around the place. The county board are exceptional to work with - they're very good and the players, it's a joy to go and work with them.
"I didn't think I was going back this year but them few things, kind of, changed my mind. It isn't easy to head down there over 100 times in the year - leave at one end of the day and get back at night but, all them factors make it that bit easier," he added.
Listen to Wednesday's OTBAM Podcast here:
