Ian Murray conceded that Airdrie were running on empty in the Championship play-off final defeat against Morton.
The Greenock side deservedly ran out 4-0 winners on aggregate over the two legs and the Diamonds failed to lay a glove on their opponents.
The League One side had been on a brilliant run of form, with just one defeat in eleven games, heading into the clash against Morton with a place in next season's Championship at stake.
But after a gruelling schedule since the lower leagues returned, Airdrie couldn't replicate the levels of performance that brought them success towards the end of the season.
"It looked like a bridge too far and I said that to the players," Murray admitted.
"It was difficult for the players with our schedule. We didn't even get a week to prepare between the games but they rushed them in for some reason - it doesn't make sense.
"We are disappointed, the boys were tired and we tried to get them through, nick a goal but it just proved too difficult.
"The boys were running on empty and it was really difficult for the guys. We had sore bodies out there tonight but we just need to get them going for next season."
"Football can be a cruel game. We've lost just three games in thirteen, one to Partick Thistle and two to Morton, who are both in the Championship next season.
"Our stats are good, especially when we've played against good teams like Thistle, Falkirk and Cove Rangers.
Morton carried a goal advantage heading into the second leg and they made a brilliant start when Robbie Muirhead slammed home an unstoppable striker after 12 minutes.
Gary Oliver added a second before Muirhead grabbed his second of the night - and third of the tie - to secure Morton's Championship status.
Diamonds boss Murray had no qualms over the result and praised his side's commitment over the course of a gruelling season.
"I've got absolutely no complaints with the final score line," Murray added. "I thought Morton were the better side across the two ties.
"Robbie [Muirhead] has played 50 games for MK Dons, he's played for Hearts and he's played for Kilmarnock. He's played for good teams and he's got great experience.
"It was a great strike and it gave them the ascendancy at that point which made it really difficult to recover.
"If we had managed to get a goal back then it could have made it exciting but the minute the third goal goes in then it's game over.
"But I can't speak highly enough for the guys because they've been incredible for the club and me."
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