THE rollercoaster of emotions that is York City scaled new heights and plunged to ever deeper depths this season, one that will live long in the memory of Minstermen everywhere.

Like the season it followed, a very real threat of oblivion dominated the headlines.

But, unlike its forefather, it was promotion not relegation that was also tantalisingly on the menu for much of the campaign too.

Given the significant ups and plunging downs - a season of more stark emotional contrasts is hard to imagine - City took the rollercoaster metaphor to its limits and rolled slowly, disappointingly to a timid close.

Missing out on promotion, or at the very least a play-off place, certainly tempered the unbridled joy of the club being saved for the fans by the fans.

As the Supporters' Trust celebrated taking control at the end of March, on the field the team could seemingly do no wrong and made it four wins from five with a 2-0 victory over Southend United to move into third place.

As April commenced, an automatic transition to Division Two was within touching distance.

Given all the off-field troubles, it was difficult not to believe elevation was City's fate, the club's reward for suffering mind-numbing months of uncertainty.

But in their final six games City failed to muster a single win - nor a goal in their last four outings - and the chance of glory hit the buffers before slipping agonisingly away.

The two-week break that followed City's victory over the Shrimpers has perhaps been overlooked in explaining away the team's fall from grace.

Momentum and confidence was certainly with City but, rather like a cyclist who tumbles at great speed, the Minstermen, once back in the saddle after a period of enforced inactivity, wobbled nervously and never regained their rhythm.

Moans and groans about the manner in which City let promotion slip through their grasp at the death have been inevitable.

Certainly, the performance in the final home game of the season against Exeter City was disappointing.

Off the pitch, the club was being slowly nursed back to health after a period of intensive care but on it a seemingly exhausted team simply flat-lined.

But perhaps the shrill of the final whistle is still too raw to give a fair assessment.

For the chagrin at seeing promotion hopes wilt away should not overshadow this squad's magnificent effort in simply providing hope for supporters to cling to during winter's darkest months and City's darkest hours.

Given all the off-field problems, that City could even dare to contemplate success was a feat in itself.

Speaking at the start of the season, when City had enjoyed a hopeful start to the campaign and Terry Dolan had been crowned manager of the month for August, skipper Chris Brass spoke of a desire to secure a place in City folklore.

The City captain was, of course, hoping it would be a successful championship challenge that would seal this group of Minstermen a place in the Bootham Crescent annals.

Results may have denied them such a berth, but in years to come supporters should remember this team - who played without pay, without a future, without explanation - with affection.

What they lacked in ability they made up for with character and as such that much sought after legendary status has perhaps already been bestowed.

Certainly, legendary status has been acquired by the Supporters' Trust and the myriad of fans from York and beyond who also fought so valiantly to save their club.

City were united and the unshakeable bond that forged between players and supporters should not be underestimated in explaining City's rise to prominence.

Statistics are easy to damn, but they sometimes speak volumes.

In the 17 months since City's off-field problems first surfaced, City have lost just THREE league games at Bootham Crescent. Compare that statistic with the five-month period preceding the off-pitch turmoil when City lost SIX times on home soil.

During the last year and a half, it is fair to say the atmosphere at Bootham Crescent has been much improved, providing a positive environment in which players are more likely to prosper.

The more the club teetered on the brink, the more the fans were galvanised and really got behind the team.

Hopefully, it won't need the threat of extinction to engender the all for one and one for all' mentality next time around and Bootham Crescent's growing reputation as an imposing arena will be maintained.

Ultimately, of course, it will be the players who will have the biggest influence on what happens on the pitch and just what sort of team Dolan is able to put out will depend on the funds he will have available to strengthen his squad.

It seems certain the City chief will have to operate with a smaller unit but a goalkeeper aside, securing a potent poacher in the mould of Peter Duffield will be a priority.

A player with searing pace, the ability to switch defence into attack in the blink of an eye, could also prove to be a welcome addition to City's armoury.

But perhaps now is not the time to be looking too far ahead nor to engage in deep contemplation.

The future can wait. After a torrid, tumultuous season, that the club is still alive and kicking in the here and now is cause enough for celebration.