CHRIS Brass has vowed never to suffer relegation again as York City manager.

Saturday's 3-1 defeat at table-topping Doncaster, coupled with victories for Rochdale and Scunthorpe, means the Minstermen's 75-year membership of the Football League will come to an end after the May 8 trip to Swansea and Brass shared the pain of the supporters who made the short trip to Belle Vue.

Brass had never previously been relegated as a player and is adamant to make this season remains the only blemish on his managerial career.

He said: "It's the first time I have been relegated and it's a bitter taste. Now, we have got to make sure this will never, ever, ever happen again.

"We were under no illusions about this season being difficult but there comes a time, as players, that you have to step forward and take responsibility. Unfortunately, over the last few months, the mental toughness required of professional footballers has been lacking.

"When you find yourself in a relegation place you should be hurting as you should every time you go on a football field and lose a game whether you are top of the table, in the middle or at the bottom because if we had beaten Doncaster they would have been absolutely devastated. I will be big enough and man enough to shoulder the responsibility and learn from it but I know one thing for sure - I won't be feeling this again.

"My record is tarnished by this but I have to make sure this is the only blemish that I will ever have in my career as a manager."

Saturday's opponents Doncaster returned to the Football League after five years in the Conference and Brass admitted that he does not expect an easy ride next season, saying: "It's going to be tough and, in recent years, nobody's bounced straight back but that's what we have got to aim for.

"The gap between the Conference and the Third Division is not that great but I will be looking to add quality and some experience to help the youngsters who will take this club forward. I have learnt a great deal and, going away from football matters, there has been some huge strides taken at this club with still more needed but hopefully we can soon be in control of our own destiny and not reliant on other people."

Brass also paid tribute to the fans for their continued support during a dismal second half of the season.

He said: "You can't say enough about our supporters. They have continued to back us though thick and thin but they need to be given something back now.

"They came in their numbers again to Doncaster and cheered us on even though we relegated. What more can you ask?"

Updated: 11:04 Monday, April 26, 2004