A 2-1 defeat at Ipswich sent Joe Royle's men back to the Nationwide League after just one season in the top flight.

But Howey vowed that the team would bounce back immediately despite the blow.

"Next year it will be promotion," he said.

Howey was clearly shattered after his side had thrown away a 1-0 lead with less than 15 minutes to go.

"This is the second time I've been relegated and it's difficult to describe how it feels right now," he said.

"We've played well but then let in some daft goals.

"Everyone gave 110% and the fans were magnificent, but you can't go 1-0 up and then throw it all away."

Royle was unsurprisingly depressed by the evening's events.

"Tonight I'll go away and be bloody miserable," he admitted.

Royle laid the blame for the defeat on sloppy defending.

"In many ways this was symptomatic of our season," he said.

"Players weren't picking up their men for the two goals.

"It's no coincidence that the three teams with the worst defensive records have gone down.

"We've done well and taken the lead, and if we could have held on for a while, who knows?

"Having fought so hard to get up (to the Premiership) and then not be able to hang on to it is very disappointing."

Ipswich manager George Burley was delighted to snatch the three points.

His side moved up to fourth in the Premiership and kept alive their hopes of pipping Liverpool and Leeds to the third Champions League spot.

"We never lost our composure," he said.

"I had every confidence in my squad this season, but every one of my players has improved.

"We showed great spirit tonight.

"That's us back in fourth, and if Liverpool trip up we could still make the Champions League."