The Mayor of London has vowed to draft in his sports adviser Kate Hoey MP to help find a solution to Crystal Palace FC’s financial crisis.

Speaking at Mayor’s Questions yesterday morning, Boris Johnson said he extended his sympathy to the club following their fall into administration in January.

The Mayor was responding to a question from London Assembly member Steve O’Connell, who asked what the Mayor could do or say to help the club.

Mr Johnson said: “I support you Steve in extending my sympathy to the club, players and fans and I know the good work you will have done to make sure Selhurst Park will remain a football ground no matter what happens.”

Miss Hoey, a former minister for sport, has strong links with London football clubs, having worked as an educational advisor at sides including Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

About 20 parties are thought to be interested in buying the Selhurst Park club, which has debts of more than £30m.

Crystal Palace administrator Brendan Guilfoyle has already admitted he is open to offers for the club, and did not have a specific figure in mind.

Mr O’Connell said: “I welcome the fact that Boris is drafting in Kate Hoey to see whether a solution can be found to Palace’s current situation.”