Club Captain Stephen Clemence has vowed that the Foxes will bounce back after being relegated to the third tier of English football for the first time in their 124-year history.

City battled out a goalless draw at Championship runners-up Stoke on Sunday afternoon, but a point proved not enough after Southampton defeated Sheffield United 3-2 at St Mary's Stadium.

"The lads were magnificent today," said the City midfielder, who missed the Championship run-in through injury, "but unfortunately we have not played like that and shown that same level of performance and commitment on enough occasions this season.

"We haven't got relegated to League One today, we've got relegated due to our inconsistencies over the last nine months.

"It is a devastating day for this great football club and some of the boys were in the dressing room in tears after the game.

"Everyone is devastated and I really do feel for the fans."

City were backed by 2,000 travelling fans at the Britannia Stadium and Clemence paid tribute to them.

He added: "Our support was terrific again and the sell-out crowd last week against Sheffield Wednesday just showed what a massive club this is.

"They have travelled all over the country with us and made a noise wherever they've been and despite today, I know they'll be with us again next season.

"As players we know we've let a lot of people down but that has made us all the more determined to come back fighting.

"This is a very difficult day and we are just gutted."

City management and players must now regroup over the close season and Clemence said: "As players we've got to take a good hard look at ourselves over the summer and we know we've got to bounce back, it's as simple as that.

"There are lots of highs and lows in football and this is a massive blow for us but the biggest test is how we respond.

"We can do nothing about relegation now and must look forward and focus on the job in hand."