AT THE TOP of the footballing pyramid the money changing hands is difficult to comprehend.

Players are earning £450,000 a week and subject to staggering transfer fees - just shy of £200m in the case of Neymar’s move from Barcelona to Paris Saint Germain.

However, the beautiful game is a very different place just five tiers down from the Premier League.

Poole Town FC are attempting to raise £8,000 needed to treat their injured star striker.

Luke Roberts sustained a major injury earlier this year, ruling him out for the whole of the 2017/2018 season.

It is estimated the full cost of his operation and rehabilitation is in the region of £8,000.

A JustGiving crowdfunding page has been set up for Roberts and a sponsored cycle is being carried out to help pay for his crucial surgery.

A member of the Dolphins backroom staff will be pedalling 102 miles from Poole to Oxford City FC on Saturday October 7 - the day the sides meet in the National League South.

The 24-year-old goalscorer is facing a long rehabilitation period from the anterior cruciate ligament injury before he is able to return to the pitch.

The injury is similar to those picked up by AFC Bournemouth star Callum Wilson.

Poole Town staff and supporters are aiming to help Roberts in his recovery.

Writing on the JustGiving page, Poole Town FC director Philippa Daniels, said: “Luke is a key player for Poole Town FC and is sadly missed.

“To ensure Luke receives the best possible treatment including the required operation and rehabilitation, a total of £8,000 needs to be raised.”

The striker has established himself as a popular figure at Poole Town.

Roberts has scored 38 goals for the National League South side and there had been talk of him playing at a higher level.

Before the start of this season there was rumoured interest from League Two outfit Forest Green Rovers.

Following the setback, Roberts’ focus has turned to the process of recovering from his injury, which begins with surgery.

To help fund the operation, the six and a half hour bike ride is being carried out by Mav from Poole Town FC’s commercial development department.

“So far £2,000 has been raised which leaves a total of £6,000 that needs to be raised and give Luke the best possible opportunity to return to the team ready for the start of the 2018/2019 season,” Ms Daniels added.

“Mav is looking to raise a total of £3,000 to put towards Luke’s operation. Your help and support will be gratefully received.”

To support the fundraising cycle visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pooletownfclukeroberts.