Brian Rice admits he's devastated after Hamilton Academical's seven-year stint in the Scottish Premiership was effectively ended after defeat to Ross County.
Although it's not mathematically confirmed, Accies need to beat Kilmarnock by at least nine goals on Sunday to secure the 18-goal swing required to keep them safe.
Hamilton will need to rekindle the spirit of their famous 10-2 win over Morton in 2014 to pull off a miracle but realistically, they will be competing in the Championship next season.
Accies performed well against Ross County and they created a host of opportunities but they failed to convert them when it counted which encapsulates their season.
"I thought we played very, very well," Rice said. "I thought we created numerous chances but we just couldn't get over the line.
"We had enough chances to get over the line and we are so disappointed.
"Disappointed is an understatement, we are totally devastated. I'm devastated for everyone connected with Hamilton.
"The players gave it everything they had tonight. I asked them to play with a freedom, with no fear and we played exceptionally well tonight but it just wasn't enough.
"We've always got a fighting mentality about us. We knew what was at stake, I told them to be brave and they were brave; headers, tackles, second balls, shots and crosses. We gave it absolutely everything.
"Everybody in that dressing room is on their knees because they know how much they put into the game. To not even draw the game is disappointing but to lose it, that's just football.
Accies deservedly took the lead against Ross County through Scott McMann's free-kick on 26 minutes but they were immediately pegged back when Blair Spittal equalised on 28 minutes.
Ross Callachan struck the post and Hamilton failed to convert a host of half-chances before Charles Larkin grabbed the winner for the Staggies on 70 minutes.
Hamilton host Kilmarnock on Sunday knowing they need a miracle to avoid relegation but Rice concedes they'll have to adjust to Championship football next season.
He said: "You want to win every game that you're involved in. We want to finish the season with a victory to sign off the season with three points.
"It's going to be difficult, we know that but we need to try and do that. Our performances recently have been very, very good and if we maintain some of the players - a lot of our players - and improve.
"We had some young players playing tonight. We had the best player on the park by a million miles tonight in Jamie Hamilton. He's a fantastic talent and he was absolutely sensational tonight.
"If we can keep hold of them, then we just need to go and embrace the Championship."
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