Almost a year to the day that he was attacked following Watford’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Hornets supporter Nic Cruwys delivered a heartfelt message of thanks on the Vicarage Road pitch to those who’ve supported him in his recovery.

Mr Cruwys was viciously assaulted as he walked back to a train station in Wolverhampton following last year’s match with Wolverhampton Wanderers on March 7.

The father-of-two was left fighting for his life following the attack. He sustained a serious head injury and spent four months in Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

However, he has been able to regularly attend Watford matches, home and away, this season.

And at half-time of today’s defeat against Leicester City, Mr Cruwys was able to thank everyone who had supported him over the past year - including Wolves fan Ollie Floyd, who set up a JustGiving page to raise money for the Cruwys family following the attack.

Mr Cruwys said: “Hello everybody. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Watford Football Club for all the support they’ve given to myself and my family. In particular Mr Pozzo, Scott (Duxbury), Richard (Walker) and the staff and players for their continued support and best wishes since March 7 last year. And, of course, you, the Watford fans.

“It’s been amazing to have had so much support from so many of you. I would also like to thank my good friend Steve Boone for organizing and communicating with Watford Football Club.

“I have been fortunate enough to have become friends with a certain Wolves fan who I am sure you can agree is an incredible young man.

“Ollie and I have stayed in touch throughout my return home. I managed to get him to come to the Sunderland away game with me. He is still a Wolves fans but I am working on him becoming a Watford fan.”

Mr Cruwys added a charity night will be held on Sunday, July 31, at Hemel Hempstead Town Football Club to raise money for Headway, the brain injury charity, and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

“We are hoping Watford players past and present will be able to attend,” Mr Cruwys said. “We will be holding an auction and raffle for excellent sports memorabilia and various other players. It will be hosted by a very special guest. I hope some of you will be able to make it. Once again I’d like to thank you for you amazing support over the past year.”

To donate up to £10 to Headway, you can text HEAD01 and the amount to 70070.