Nic Cruwys’ family will be the guests of honour at Vicarage Road tomorrow – where a banner will be displayed and a minute’s applause will ring out in support of the attacked Watford fan.

The father-of-two remains in a critical condition in a Birmingham hospital after he was viciously attacked near Molineux after last Saturday’s game with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Watford’s CEO Scott Duxbury said today he was finding it difficult to come to terms with what had happened to the milkman last week.

He said: “Everyone who works for Watford Football Club has had Nic Cruwys in their thoughts since last Saturday’s sickening and unprovoked attack.

“I am aware our sentiments of goodwill are shared right across the Watford FC family...I personally find it very difficult to come to terms with what has happened to Nic.

“I can only take solace from the fact I know everyone connected with this football club will do everything to help and support Nic.

“I’m sure the strength of the Watford FC family will once again show itself both tomorrow and in the coming weeks ahead.”

The 1881 Movement and the Watford Supporters Trust have paid for a get well soon message to be unfurled in the Rookery Stand at tomorrow’s Championship clash with Reading.

Hornets’ fans will release 44 yellow balloons and lead a minute’s applause on the 44th minute in tribute to the 44-year-old.

The club has invited family members of the Hemel Hempstead man to tomorrow’s game, alongside Wolves fan Ollie Floyd, who set up the Nic Cruwys’ Future Football Fund that has raised £28,000 so far.

Mr Duxbury said: “I’d like all Watford fans to be aware just what a positive impact the support you’ve shown towards Nic and his family has had. They have said as much over the course of this week.

“We have maintained open communication with the Cruwys family throughout this week, and we’re delighted to welcome a large number of them as our guests.

“They are aware of the strength and depth of feeling the Watford FC family is sending Nic’s way as he continues his battle against life-threatening injuries.

You’ll no doubt be aware of the online fund set up to benefit Nic and his family.

"The total raised is now over £27,000 and, while money cannot wipe away what has happened, I am aware that the gesture has been extremely well received by the Cruwys family.”

Mr Duxbury closed his statement by urging any football fans with any information about the attack that shocked the football world to contact West Midlands Police.

Two people – an 18-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy – have been arrested in connection with the attack.

He said: “Nic was simply enjoying a day out at an away match with his friends when he suffered a callous, calculated and unprovoked assault as he made his way from last Saturday’s fixture.

“There were over 2,000 Watford supporters at Molineux. Any one of us coming away from the stadium could have suffered as Nic has.

“I cannot stress enough the significance of sharing even the smallest shred of information you may have about the incident with the police, to ensure all perpetrators are brought to account.

“The police non-emergency number is 101 or, for those who’d prefer to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted in the strictest of confidence by calling 0800 555 111.”