But Holland refused to accept defeat until it is mathematically over - Chester have to lose ther last two and Stags win at Dagenham - before throwing in the towel.

• To listen to an audio interview with the manager by David Jackson on BBC Radio Nottingham, click on the green play icon

But he also insisted he was the man who should lead them next season whichever division they were in after inspiring the club's late revival this season.

Holland also told how angry he still was that a supporter had asked one of his players to deliberately let in a goal - in a cup tie - midway through this season as a protest against owner Keith Haslam, who was assaulted amid angry scenes after the game today.

• Mansfield Town 0 Rotherham United 1

Holland wiped away the tears and said: "I am as disappointed as anyone.

"We are now relying on other people and have a slim chance of staying up. But I am very disappointed with things that happened today on and off the pitch.

• Mansfield Town owner Haslam assaulted by fan

"We have to cling to the hope that Stockport and Macclesfield do us a favour and Chester don't pick any more points up.

"Funnier things have happened, but we are very, very down."

On United's winner, he added: "It was a freak goal. He kicked it right in front of us and there was no chance he was going for goal.

"I'm not ashamed to say we've shed a few tears today. I will be at Stockport v Chester and I will say a few prayers beforehand. Whatever happens I still think I am the person to bring this club back if we go down.

"I am very disappointed with what has been happening off the pitch this season and it has to be sorted out. It has made things difficult.

"We are in the bottom two for a reason. We have not been good enough all season. I can totally understand fans' frustration. If we do go down we have to come straight back up."

• Mansfield Town captain Buxton clings to slim hope

Holland then stunned everyone with an unexpected attack on an unnamed fan, saying: "One particular person should be extremely ashamed of himself for what has happened this season - he knows who he is.

"He asked a player to get the team to throw a goal as a protest against Keith Haslam. The person responsible came to me to apologise and I accepted it.

"I won't name the fan, but he is very high up and is always on the radio and talking to the press. It is embarrassing how he can say he is a Mansfield Town fan."

• Mansfield Town chief exec criticises fans group

This comment stems from a supporter speaking to a player in a phone conversation and suggesting the players make a protest against Keith Haslam's ownership in solidarity with the fans by allowing their opponents to walk the ball into the Mansfield net from a kick-off.

Chad understands that the phone call came ahead of the FA Cup Second Round tie at Harrogate Railway, shortly after the Derry consortium takeover bid had been turned down. During the long conversation, the fan suggested that the players could allow Railway to score unchallenged after the Stags had scored a goal, as a protest against Haslam's ownership and refusal to sell.

"I thought we coped well with their threat," said Millers boss Mark Robins.

"We got a goal that is once a season though we did have one against us when we played Wycombe too.

"As I watched it the wind dragged the ball in. It was a real up and under and it's gone in the net.

"We missed two or three good chances but Mansfield gave it a real go and you could see they were fighting for their lives.

"They threw numbers at us and forced us to defend and we coped with it.

"We defended well all afternoon. But we certainly didn't come here not to give it a go."