"We'll be back" that was the defiant message from manager Jim Smith and chairman Nick Merry after Oxford United lost their place in the Football League on Saturday.

An agonising 3-2 defeat at the hands of Leyton Orient saw the U's relegated to the Nationwide Conference, ending their 44-year stay in the League.

Supporters knew that only a win would keep Oxford up, and things started so well when striker Eric Sabin put United ahead after 14 minutes.

But the Londoners hit back, and a 95th-minute strike from former Oxford striker Lee Steele sealed the U's fate.

Ironically, Oxford are replaced in the League by Accrington Stanley the club that made way for the U's in 1962.

However, Mr Merry, who bought the club from Firoz Kassam at the end of March, refused to be downbeat and urged supporters to stick with the club as they look for an immediate return.

Mr Merry said: "When we took the football club over, we realised what we had ahead of us.

"Our aims have not changed, we are still going to build a football club, build a team, and build something that is successful for the city of Oxford.

"It is a huge blow for the club and supporters getting relegated, but I know that they will get behind everyone and we have a big future ahead of us.

"This is where we start now. With everything we have behind us, we will be back, no question."

Mr Merry confirmed that he and Mr Smith would remain at the club as they attempt to build a team to win the Conference.

Both were also quick to pay tribute to the United supporters, whose constant singing made an electric atmosphere Asked whether he would stay on as manager, Mr Smith, one of the club's three new directors, joked: "I lost the vote in the board meeting I voted for me to get the sack!"

But on a serious note, he pledged: "What I said when I came here six weeks ago hasn't changed. The league changes, but our ambitions and plans stay the same."

Mr Merry added: "The players did all that they could to try and get us the right result, but a few little things did not go our way, and the result is what counts.

"The fans should hold their heads high they could not have done any more to try and help us.

"I was proud to be the Oxford United chairman today."

The build-up to Saturday's game had been extraordinary and the Oxford Mail helped supporters get behind the team by printing hundreds of yellow placards which were held proudly aloft at the start of the game.

But now, with the U's relegated, fans have been pledging their support to United and their journey back to the Football League.