The credit crunch hit the Sportman's League this week when Olympia folded after nine seasons.

Rising costs meant Leroy Cudjoe's side could no longer keep their heads above water, and a dismal start to the season was the final straw for the Sunday side's boss.

Olympia were rock-bottom of division one with four straight defeats - their only respite coming from a London Cup victory against Edmonton Rovers.

And Cudjoe decided to jump ship before it sunk.

He said: "Financially, the credit crunch has hit everyone. Pitches now cost £85 a game, and there's the referee's fee as well.

"I ended up paying out of my own pocket and I couldn't do it anymore.

"I also didn't think our team had enough fight to get out of a relegation scrap. There was only a few players that would go to war, and the rest were just a bit too young."

Cudjoe has fond memories from his stint in the league, including their double-winning side of 2007.

He added: "That was probably my best side. We've had a lot of promotions and cups over the years but winning the league and Ron Halfacre Cup that year was special."

League chairman Ron Halfacre paid tribute to Cudjoe and his team.

He said: "They were one of the longest-serving sides left, so it's sad. They were a good side on and off the pitch."