TERRY Dolan's Bootham Crescent reign ended today just when his managerial reputation within football was arguably at an all-time high.

The outgoing City chief received acclaim galore for guiding City to the verge of the play-offs while the club teetered on the brink of extinction.

The pinnacle came earlier this month at a glittering north-east football awards ceremony when Dolan received the prestigious Prince's Trust Special Achievement Trophy in recognition for his efforts

The restoration of a reputation seemingly irrevocably tarnished by his torrid time in charge at Hull City was further underlined by Dolan being linked to vacant managerial positions at Rochdale, Huddersfield and Chesterfield.

However, the growing esteem in which he was held nationally was not always matched closer to home.

Dolan had earned the respect of the Bootham Crescent faithful for successfully fashioning a united front among the City players as the club teetered precariously on the brink.

And after City moved into an automatic promotion place at the end of March, Dolan's popularity on the terraces was higher than at any other time in his three and a half year reign.

Updated: 10:22 Saturday, May 31, 2003