The eagerly anticipated book, which is available from the club shop from Monday, was launched at Victoria Park by stars including club captain Ritchie Humphreys and former forward Kenny Johnson.

The Official History of Hartlepool United Football Club 1908 - 2008 is packed with information, statistics and pictures, including previously unseen original documents.

Chairman Ken Hodcroft said the book is the "definitive guide" to the League One club's century in existence and it shows how far it has come.

Five years in the making, the 400-page publication covers every major incident involving Pools since their creation in 1908.

The book, which has a foreword by Jeff Stelling, covers everything from financial woe to the frequent flirtations with the dreaded re-election vote, plus images of every strip that the players have ever worn.

Kenny Johnson, who played for Hartlepool between 1949 and 1967 and is the club's top goalscorer in the Football League with 98 goals, was at the launch.

Mr Johnson, who still works at the club on match days, said: "It is a brilliant book, packed with information and stories about Pools over the years.

"I think it will really open up people's eyes to the great history of the club."

Meanwhile, current club captain, Ritchie Humphreys, said: "The book is absolutely fantastic and I have enjoyed flicking through and learning a bit more about the club and the players who have been here.

"It has brought back some fantastic memories and it is a great thing to be able to keep and then pass on to younger generations."

Former players Mark Tinkler, Paul Baker, Keith Nobbs and Michael Barron were also at the launch alongside director of sport, Chris Turner, and chairman Ken Hodcroft.

Mr Hodcroft, who thanked everyone who had contributed to the book, said: "There are a number of good books about Hartlepool United, but none as comprehensive as this.

"Fans have had to wait longer than we would have liked, due to reasons out of our control, but when they see the quality of the book I think they will be happy."

Chris Turner added that he was confident the book would be "popular with young and old".

Chief executive Russ Green, who said the club have printed 3,500 copies, added: "It is a cracking book that covers everything. It has taken longer than we would have liked, but the quality and content shines through."

The book, which costs £25 for a hardback and £18 paperback, will be on sale from the club's ticket office in Clarence Road from Monday.