On May 6, 2000, Chester City were relegated from the Football League after 69 years.

It was a 1-0 defeat at home to Peterborough United which sealed the club's fate, although in reality the damage had been done in the first half of the season.

American owner Terry Smith presided over the most calamitous period in the club's history. His decision to appoint himself manager despite a total lack of knowledge and experience backfired spectacularly.

When Ian Atkins was brought in as director of football - Smith retained the title of manager - the Blues looked dead and buried.

But the ex-Northampton Town boss gave the supporters hope, guiding the club to four wins in six games as the Great Escape gathered pace.

It came down the final game with Chester, Carlisle United and Shrewsbury Town in a straight fight for survival.

A win would have been enough for the Blues but it wasn't to be: Peterborough midfielder Ritchie Hanlon rifled a low shot past Wayne Brown on 64 minutes, condemning Chester to defeat and relegation on goal difference.

Fifteen years on, The Chronicle has traced what happened to the team after relegation.

Click through the gallery above to find out what happed to the class of 1999-2000