Manager Mark McGhee was "embarrassed" to take part in a lap of honour after Bristol Rovers' last home game of the season.
While supporters were in a celebratory mood after seeing their team crush Accrington 5-1, McGhee had his feet firmly on the ground.
"To be honest I felt embarrassed at parading in front of the fans because we have finished mid-table and that is hardly cause for a party," said McGhee.
"I wanted to send the supporters away happy for the summer and I thought some of the football we played on a difficult pitch was outstanding."
Matt Harrold took his tally for the campaign to 18 with one match left by heading Rovers in front after 11 minutes and doubled the advantage with a 22nd minute penalty after the outstanding Mustapha Carayol had been brought down.
"I told the players to try and help Matt reach 20 goals for the season because I felt that would be an incentive for the sort of attacking display we required," McGhee added. "The response was terrific, but I certainly hope we can give our fans more to celebrate than a mid-table finish next season and there is a lot of hard work ahead during the summer."
© 2013 - British Sky Broadcasting Ltd