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Jones said: "It's still a good achievement to get to the play-offs and I wish people would stop knocking us because we've not got automatic. What about the other 20 clubs that haven't got it either?
"We've worked so hard this season. No-one thought we'd be anywhere near it with the transfer embargo that was on us. It's still a good achievement, and I'm sure the other three teams will all be saying exactly the same. I don't think there's anything to be ashamed of or anything to be disappointed in."
He's always good for a classic comment or two is Jones and I have to say the transfer embargo one is a good one. You'd think they hadn't been able to sign anyone all season so maybe he's forgotten about such signings of Tom Heaton, Dekel Keinan or Jon Parkin, or indeed any of the seven players he currently has on loan, including five in yesterday's match day squad.
For Burnley it was a case of what might have been but yesterday's game left Howe very much looking forward to next season, his first full season in charge of the Clarets.
"We have huge optimism for next year," he said. "I have enjoyed the season and we've just fallen short of where we want to be, but the fans, staff and everyone connected with the club has been magnificent and I can't wait for next year to get started, get my teeth into the job and hopefully hit the ground running next year.
"Hopefully we can keep everyone together, make a few additions and give it a really good go because we have to aim high."
Howe gave David Edgar his first start since he played at right back in the home game against Preston in September, and it was his first Burnley start in the centre of defence since his league debut at Old Trafford against Manchester United in January 2010.
"It's always important when you get given an opportunity and I think David took it," Howe said of him. "It's been difficult to fit him into the team because he has all the technical ability.
"He is a very talented boy and I know people have played him at holding midfielder, centre back and full back and he's almost been a victim of his own versatility. I probably see him as a footballing centre half and time will tell."
Edgar was part of a team that saw two changes from Monday, with Ross Wallace also coming in and Howe added: "There was an eye on the future there. It was a young side and the style of play was trying to bring the ball out from the back and dictate play with possession of the ball.
"Also, working extremely hard off the ball in trying to close down and win the ball back. All in all, I think we were excellent. We were brave enough to pass the ball from back to front. I was just disappointed that we conceded late on."