The Robins narrowly failed to secure a second successive promotion, but Johnson had nothing but praise for his Robins squad.
"I have told my players that they are so close to being Premier League players at a Premier League club, because there was not a lot in the match," he said.
"It wasn't the best of games, but all finals are like that and it was won by a quality goal by a very experienced player.
"We just needed something to fall for us. We will have our grieving time now over the next three or four weeks and we will come back that one or two per cent better.
"We have only been in the Championship for one season so we will enjoy it again next year and not see it as a chore."
The former Scunthorpe defender Jamie McCombe was forced to miss the match after being taken ill before the game.