A FUNDRAISER has been set up after the assistant manager of a football team suffered a serious injury during a game.

Nearly £2,500 has been raised so far to support player Ryan Monaghan, 36, who works in Barrow as a contractor, and his family.

The centre-back was taken to hospital by ambulance during Ponteland United’s game against former club Burradon and New Fordley.

He ruptured his kneecap, sustained damage to his anterior and medial ligament and suffered nerve damage to his left leg.

Monaghan sustained the injuries in a 50-50 challenge with Jonathon Crisp near the centre circle in the final minute of normal time in a game that ended 4-1 to New Fordley.

Club manager Liam Bell set up the GoFundMe page with a target of £5,000 after it was revealed Ryan will now likely retire from football.

He will also have to take time off work, as a self-employed welder, after spending five days in hospital and being seen by physios.

“A lot of people were getting in touch with me asking ‘how can we help?’” said Liam.

“When bad things like that happen, a lot of the football community gather round a bit and try and help people.

“He is obviously very appreciative.”

Donations can be made to gofundme.com/f/support-ryan-monaghan-following-football-injury