Carlisle United have been relegated to the National League following their 3-2 defeat to Cheltenham Town.
The Cumbrian club needed three points at Whaddon Road and for Tranmere Rovers to fail to win at home to Crewe Alexandra for there to be a chance of survival.
But Tranmere won 2-0 to leave the gap at seven points going into the final game of the campaign.
Carlisle United will now return to the National League for the first time since 2005.
A statement issued by chairman Tom Piatak, on behalf of the board and ownership group said: “Let us start by saying this clearly: we are deeply sorry. This is a painful day for everyone connected to Carlisle United.
“The frustration and anger felt across the fanbase is fully shared by us. As owners, we take responsibility – and we are committed to correcting what has gone wrong and rebuilding this club with urgency and purpose.
“The season started with ambition and hope. But the performances and results simply weren’t good enough. A strong finish in April couldn’t undo the damage of earlier failures. The table doesn’t lie – we fell short of the standards you rightly expect.
“Yet in the face of that, your loyalty has been extraordinary. From 11,000 at Brunton Park on Good Friday to almost 1,000 of you in Cheltenham today, you’ve never stopped showing up. That unwavering support is the soul of this football club. It deserves better.
“In recent weeks, Mark Hughes has helped rebuild the connection between the team and supporters. It’s a small but important step. It shows what this club can still become – and underlines how far we still have to go.
“That’s why a full, top-to-bottom review of Carlisle United is already underway. Football performance. Recruitment. Culture. Structure. Day-to-day operations.
“Everything is being examined. There will be no shortcuts. No excuses. No sacred cows. Where change is needed, change will happen.
“Throughout the season, we ensured the club had the financial backing to compete. That backing will continue. Relegation does not change our long-term vision – or our commitment – to get this club back on its feet and moving forward.
“Planning for next season is already in motion. Discussions with Mark Hughes are ongoing and positive. The objective is clear: build a squad capable of promotion, backed by professional standards and modern infrastructure.
“We’ll have more to share with you after the final match. We will be transparent. We will be accountable. And we will not hide from the work ahead.
“To every supporter who stood by us this year – thank you. You are the foundation we will rebuild on. You are why this club still has a future worth fighting for.
“Now the mission is simple: To rebuild. To rise. To return. That work starts now.”
