City's Sky Bet League One campaign came to an end on Saturday afternoon, with Brian Barry-Murphy speaking to the press following an eventful 4-5 defeat to Mansfield Town.
"I think we have to accept that we didn’t play very well today." Brian began. "We found it difficult to win the game, but in the end it was very important that we gave the supporters something to go home happy with. If it wasn’t the victory, at least we scored some very good goals.
"We didn’t handle the opponent’s threats very well. Coming to this stadium, I’ve been here many times, it can be a difficult place to come. Throughout the course of the game, we looked vulnerable when Mansfield broke quickly.
"In the second half, the players showed the mentality and spirit they’ve had all season, played some really good football, and I thought that we could have got back in the game, but it wasn’t to be."
City responded well in the second half, with substitutes Isaak Davies and Omari Kellyman scoring, plus there were league debuts for young duo Noah Williams and Paul Moreno.
Brian continued: "Isaak took his opportunity really well, and Omari had a big impact when he came on, he showed class and looked very dangerous.
"Our Club is now synonymous with exceptionally good young players. These two in particular have trained a lot with us this season, Paul less so because of his schooling, but when he’s trained, he’s done exceptionally well. We were quite stretched today in terms of who was available, so it was a great opportunity for them to be involved and play."
At the end of an excellent campaign, the boss concluded with a word of thanks to the travelling Bluebirds, who have been amazing on the road all season long.
He said: "I think firstly, what they’ve done for us, the support we’ve had at every away ground has been incredible. One of the things we spoke about at half time was, whatever we thought about the game beforehand, we had a strong obligation to give them something to feel they could be proud of in the second half, and we did that. Always we feel as if we have to play for them, and make them proud every week.
"I won’t let it take away anything from what the players and Club have done this season. The support we had today was incredible. It’s been a magical season for us, and a magical end to the season, so today was about celebrating our Club, our supporters being present, and trying to give them one last sign of what we can do. The next step is around the corner."