TEARFUL York City fans were today coming to terms with the end of 75 years of league football.

Barring a mathematical miracle, York City's 3-1 defeat away at league leaders Doncaster on Saturday has confirmed the club's relegation from Division Three, a body blow not only to fans but to York's entire civic pride.

Relegation will hit hard in a city which gave so much to save the football club from financial disaster, only to see it fall in the sporting arena.

Steve Beck, York City chairman, said the disappointment of relegation was "enormous".

"Saturday was an awful experience for us all and it was heartbreaking to see tears and disappointment on the faces of the York City players and supporters alike," he said.

"We, the supporters of York City, have achieved the incredible in the last year.

"We have saved the club from the brink of extinction, we have turned around the club's finances, and we have achieved what was deemed to be impossible, securing Bootham Crescent as our long term home.

"It is just so sad that we have been unable to achieve our aim of Football League survival. As we now look to the future and plan our strategy for success, we urge York City fans everywhere to maintain their support for the club."

City of York Council leader Steve Galloway said: "I share the disappointment of the supporters. I do believe that relegation can affect, for a while, the general morale of the city.

"People expect to see the name of York when they look at the football results. However, I do believe that the effect will be transient - that the supporters who rescued the club from financial difficulties will lift it to be successful on the field again."

Dave Merrett, Labour leader, said: "York City fans and their dedicated Supporters' Trust have seen the club through some hard times in the past, and they have always shown a remarkable ability to bounce back."

Relegation means the club will not be able to play in the League Cup, with only the FA Cup offering the Minstermen the chance for a big pay day against a top club.

But Conference football will renew the club's tussle with local rivals Scarborough.

Ian Savage, of supporters' group Friends of Bootham Crescent, said: "It is a dark day for the club. There were plenty of tears, but I am very confident about the future of the club, not just on the pitch but financially as well."

Former chairman Douglas Craig also expressed his disappointment.

Updated: 11:13 Monday, April 26, 2004