THE scene might almost have been one of celebration - City fans pouring on to the pitch, a rousing speech by the manager and tears all round.

Sadly, all the emotion at York City on Saturday confirmed the worst season possible, and marked another defeat, this time going down 2-1 to Leyton Orient.

There is little comfort to be drawn from the end of 75 years of League football for York City. But there has always to be hope in football - and if the fans stay loyal and true, and stick by their team, then York City will have a better chance of pulling themselves out of the Conference and back into League football.

So next season the fans will be more important than ever.

Updated: 09:53 Monday, May 03, 2004