The board called time on the club's 100-plus years existence on Tuesday after entering into a Company Voluntary Agreement with creditors in January last year.

However, Greenfield admitted financial pressures at Huntington Stadium had proved too great.

He told BBC Radio York: "The last thing we wanted to do was close down rugby in York.

"It was a shocking decision we had to make. I feel so sorry for everybody, but we didn't have the capital to do it."

Coach Leo Epifania and his players were said to be "stunned" at the news.

"It's a sad day for rugby league and a very sad day for York," said York's chief executive Ann Garvey.

Hand-to-mouth existence

"The directors didn't want to let the club get into the state it's been in previous years so they took the decision to close it.

"I'm devastated and I feel so sorry for the players and for Leo Epifania, who gave up a business and a home in Australia to come over here."

The club, formed in 1901, almost went out of business last season and, despite landing a famous sponsorship deal with the New York City Corporation, have led a hand-to-mouth existence this season.

They were watched by a crowd of just 280 at their last home game against Chorley, which brought them their only win in 11 matches in the NFP.