Croydon Athletic have been given a stay of execution by the Ryman League as hopes they can find new investment grow.

The league's board met yesterday to discuss the future of the Rams, who have not been able to play a Division One South match since December 3 after running out of money.

It was thought a decision would be made to remove them from the league and the table but, having spoken to the club's owner, Jenna Manji, the league decided to give the club one last chance to find a way out of their debt-ridden mire.

"We are asking them to come up with a decision themselves within a certain period and we are going to work with them on that," said the league's secretary Nick Robinson.

"Rather than us saying this is it, we want to give them time as they are still talking to possible investors.

"We do not want to take any action that will stop that process and maybe stop the club surviving.

"We cannot let it go on too long though as we have a league to run and cannot go on having one less game a week.

"But we are in dialogue with Jenna Manji and will continue with that."