The Black Cats were on the verge of achieving back-to-back promotions, but left empty-handed against Luton Town on Tuesday night.
Tony Mowbray’s men failed to defend the one-goal advantage they had from the first leg and conceded two first-half goals at Kenilworth Road to lose the tie 3-2.
Mowbray has had to deal with a number of injury issues this season, but successfully led Sunderland to a spot in the playoffs.
He was hoping the job could be completed, but the Black Cats must now look towards next season to launch another promotion campaign.
Elliott feels that Sunderland produced some superb football this term, however he admits he is now worried about a number of their players being noticed by Premier League sides.
“Hopefully #safc kick on again next season”, Elliott wrote on Twitter.
“Could be a long summer as I’ve a feeling there will be a job at hand keeping a few of these young players at the club.
“Some of the football has been out of this world this year and it won’t be going unnoticed by some of the big hitters.”
All eyes will be on whether Sunderland can keep their top performers as the summer transfer window looms.
