A TRIBUTE to the "club that wouldn't die" was launched at Accrington Stanley's home win over Wycombe at the weekend.

Phil Whalley, 37, grew up watching Stanley at Peel Park in the 1970s and wrote his latest book on the club following their historic promotion last season.

Research for the book saw Mr Whalley, now a politics teacher in London, speak to modern faces including manager John Coleman and chairman Eric Whalley as well as focusing on the team's difficult past.

Mr Whalley also recalls how local journalist Alan Simpson - now deputy editor of the Lancashire Telegraph - played his part in helping the club get back on its feet in the 1960s by suggesting they apply for a grant.

As well as following the fortunes of the club for the past 40 years, the book also includes statistics and records of every player in the modern era who has made more than 100 appearances for the side.

It is the second time he has written a book on Stanley after 2001's Accrington Stanley FC, which mainly featured photographs.

Accrington Stanley: The Club That Wouldn't Die is available in hardback from publishers SportsBooks Ltd for £16.99.