Former Mansfield manager Billy Dearden has revealed he is "gutted" following the club's relegation from League Two to the Blue Square Premier.The Stags' 77-year stay in the Football League was confirmed before the last game of the season at Dagenham when Chester earned a point in a goalless draw against Stockport.

Dearden was in charge at Field Mill until March when he was sacked, and his successor Paul Holland was unable to steer the club to safety.

"I might have left the club, but I still wanted them to stay up as much as anyone and I am absolutely gutted," said Dearden.

"I really feel sorry for the fans because they always tried to get behind the team as best they could while I was there.

"It is going to be difficult to come straight back up at the first attempt and the manager will need backing to do that."

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