Colchester United’s will be playing their football in Sky Bet League 2 in 2016/17 following a 3-0 defeat to Burton Albion.
The U’s faced an uphill challenge against the promotion-chasing Brewers, requiring victory to give themselves hope of another miraculous escape, but their task was made all the more difficult by Joe Edwards’ early red card.
A Lucas Akins hat-trick secured a 3-0 win for the visitors, leaving the U's nine points from safety and confirming that they would join already-relegated Crewe Alexandra in the fourth tier next season.
In a statement, club chairman Robbie Cowling said: "I am very confident that we are building a great club with a wonderful future but I am fully aware that I need to raise my own game if I am to fulfill my objectives for the club.
"Now that our fate has been determined, we can start planning for next season.
"There are financial implications but despite those, the club is well placed to do more than just survive in League 2.
"We won't have the biggest playing budget and we won't have any easy fixtures but, if we hold our nerve and stick to our philosophies, the club is going to take off some time soon."
In a statement, club chairman Robbie Cowling said: "I am very confident that we are building a great club with a wonderful future but I am fully aware that I need to raise my own game if I am to fulfill my objectives for the club.
"Now that our fate has been determined, we can start planning for next season.
"There are financial implications but despite those, the club is well placed to do more than just survive in League 2.
"We won't have the biggest playing budget and we won't have any easy fixtures but, if we hold our nerve and stick to our philosophies, the club is going to take off some time soon."