Now, four weeks on from the vicious assault Nic Cruwys is making progress his family say they could 'only have dreamt about'.

The 44-year-old Watford fan was attacked in Little's Lane after the Wolves v Hornets clash last month.

Little's Lane, where the attack took place

The father-of-two is now conscious and able to walk with some assistance. He had been in a coma in an intensive care unit after the brutal March 7 assault, before being moved to a high dependency ward.

And over the past week he has continued to make 'steady' progress.

Mr Cruwys' family revealed the latest developments in a lengthy statement, in which they thanked everyone for their 'astounding' support.

Messages have come from all over the world, with thousands donating to an online fund which has now raised £37,000.

The go fund me page set up for Nick Cruwys

Advertising

In the emotional statement, Mr Cruwys' family expressed their 'heartfelt gratitude' to everyone who has supported him.

They added: "He is able to walk with some assistance, though still has a long road ahead in terms of getting back to full fitness, it is fair to say he is making the kind of progress which four weeks ago we could only have dreamt about.

"Clearly Nic is in the early stages of a recovery which at this stage, no one knows exactly where that will lead to or how long that will take.

"At some point in the future it will of course be touching for him to know at first hand of the outpouring of genuine human emotion towards him, although that will naturally have to come later."

Advertising

It is hoped that in the next few weeks Mr Cruwys, who is currently being treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, will be moved closer to his Hemel Hempstead home in a specialised neurological rehab centre.

The family expressed their 'sincere and endless gratitude' to all Mr Cruwys' family and friends.

They added: "To the incredibly talented, diligent, warm and wonderful team of specialists, doctors, nurses at the fabulous Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham – who, as an amazing group of compassionate professionals – we will forever be in debt to for saving Nic's life.

"The skills utilised and dedication shown by the entire team and received by Nic since he came to the QE on that Saturday evening has been remarkable.

"We are eternally grateful and know he was fortunate to have his life in your hands.

"To everyone at Watford FC and of course the incredible fans, you have supported the family so much with your response, genuine compassion and respect shown throughout.

"The Reading game (which was dedicated to Nic) will never be forgotten for such a show of togetherness, warmth and undiluted emotion.

"Everyone who follows and loves football have been reminded, if they needed to be, why Watford FC is such a special family club – why Nic has supported them through thick and thin for well over 30 years and now, how well they have supported him and his family.

"Thank you all once again from the bottom of our hearts."

Honorary Watford president Sir Elton John is among those to offer support, saying he and his husband David Furnish would be making a financial contribution to the Nic Cruwys Future Football Fund.

That fund, instigated by Wolves fan and teenager Ollie Floyd, who also lives in Mr Cruwys's home town, has now passed the £37,000 mark. In total 2,400 people have contributed to the fund, at www.gofundme.com/o8itrk

Self-employed milkman Mr Cruwys was set upon as he walked to Wolverhampton train station, after watching the 2-2 Championship draw. Seven people have been arrested and bailed in connection with the brutal assault.

They are aged between 13 and 18, and arrested on suspicion of wounding Mr Cruwys. Police continue to appeal for information about the 'unprovoked attack'.

The Express & Star has offered a £1,000 reward – which increased to £1,250 after an anonymous season ticket holder made a donation – for information leading to a conviction.