It has been a traumatic 12 months for the Iron after relegation a year ago and a number of off-field issues putting the future of the club in grave danger.
They wanted to move forward with promotion but fell at the National League North semi-final hurdle this weekend.
Boston United bettered them from the spot in front of over 8,000 fans on Saturday and manager Dean says he’s crushed that they couldn’t end a very challenging time with a celebration.
“It’s very raw at the minute,” he said after the penalty shoot out loss. “We’ll take some time to reflect and see where we go.
“The progress the club has made is fantastic and it has been an honour to be a part of that. I’m just gutted we could make it a really happy ending.
“The fans sung their hearts out. It’s a privilege to work for this club and I’m devastated we couldn’t get over the line. It’s really tough to take. I feel the fans’ pain and so do the players.
“I don’t think either side deserved to lose the game, but someone had to. The lads all deserve credit. Maybe we should have had a penalty but it’s never easy to lose like that. I’m absolutely gutted.”
Boston United meet Brackley Town in the National League North Promotion Final on Saturday and the will be live coverage on TNT Sports.