YORK City communications director Sophie Hicks has expressed her “massive relief” at the end to a “gruelling couple of months” for the football club.

The Minstermen had been flirting with relegation from npower League Two back to the Blue Square Bet Premier prior to Saturday’s 1-0 final-day victory over Dagenham & Redbridge.

As it happened, results elsewhere meant the Minstermen would have been safe regardless of the outcome in East London, but Hicks was delighted to see the team take charge of their own fate.

She said: “It was a very nervous, tense and emotional day but an amazing end to it all and a massive relief because it’s been a really gruelling couple of months at the football club.”

A tearful Hicks went on to express her gratitude for the work and support of everybody associated with the football club but reserved special praise for manager Nigel Worthington and captain Chris Smith, who scored City's goal at the weekend.

She added: “Nigel had made a huge difference in terms of confidence, organisation and work ethic and he has kept us in the Football League. I also have to mention our captain Chris Smith, who I think has been absolutely heroic for York City.

“But all the players have been tremendous and it’s been a real team effort from the board, to the coaching staff, the players, the supporters and all the administrative staff behind the scenes. Everybody has pulled together and we thank all those who have supported us through these difficult times.

“We never want this to happen again and we now look forward to next season, progressing up the League and preparing to move into a new community stadium the following campaign.”