And David Gold may step down as chairman after the abuse aimed towards the directors box once it became clear there would be no 11th hour escape from the drop.

"These people (the fans] don't know anything about business and nothing about football. I've had enough. I don't want to be here next season," Sullivan said.

Fans chanted the 'the board must go' as wins for Reading and Fulham meant City's 4-1 home win over Blackburn was in vain.

Sullivan's two young sons, David Junior and Jack, were moved for their own safety. Now Sullivan is urging Gold to buy out his stake in the midlands club so he can end a 15-year association.

"All those out there who want to buy it (the club], they can. Please buy me out David (Gold]. There are five or six clubs out there who would welcome me with open arms. It is time for me to go to a new club."

Sullivan and Gold were willing to sell last summer but the protracted and ultimately failed bid by Carson Yeung has contributed to the turmoil which has engulfed Blues for much of the season.

It cost them the services of manager Steve Bruce, who has since saved Wigan from relegation. although both Sullivan and Gold have faith in his successor Alex McLeish to revive City.

Gold said: "I am a bit distressed by the fans' reaction. I understand the disappointment of relegation. Together we have been there on a number of occasions going all the way back to Barry Fry getting us relegated to the old Third Division.

"But never, in all the time I've been at the club, have I seen a large section of fans being abusive. I am very disappointed. Is it six? Is it a hundred? Is it a thousand? Or is it the majority because, if it is the majority, I will be left with no alternative but to resign from as chairman of the football club."



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