AS the author of two previous books charting the history of Wrexham FC from its formation in 1872 to the turn of the second millennium, civil servant Peter Jones might have been delighted by a commission to bring the Dragons’ story up to date.

The result, however, “Wrexham Through the Trapdoor 1998-2008” proved anything but a labour of love as he trawled through his records to recall the events of probably the most turbulent decade ever witnessed at the Racecourse.

The period began with disappointment, Brian Flynn’s side missing out on a promotion play-off place because of an 84th-minute goal scored elsewhere, and ended in despair when the club’s 84-year old membership of the Football League came to an end.

There were, of course, some memorable moments along the way – an FA Cup third-round victory against Premiership outfit Middlesbrough, a promotion-winning season and the unforgettable LDV Trophy victory in Cardiff.

Undeniably, though, it’s a tale of decline on the pitch exacerbated by delusion and deception in the boardroom from which – with a handful of notable exceptions – only the club’s supporters emerge with credit.

Wrexham Through the Trapdoor 1998-2008, by Peter Jones, published by Desert Island Books £14.99.