A heartfelt message of support for Watford fan Nic Cruwys will be displayed on a large banner prior to the Hornets’ Championship match against Reading at Vicarage Road tomorrow.

Father-of-two Nic, 44, was viciously attacked following Watford’s 2-2 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.

He remains in a critical but stable condition at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham at the time of going to press.

Watford fan group The 1881 movement has organised the banner, which will be printed this evening.

In addition to the banner, which will be displayed in the Rookery Stand, the group will release 44 yellow balloons and a minute’s applause in Nick’s honour will take place in the 44th minute of the game.

The banner has been paid for by The 1881 Movement and the Watford Supporters Trust.

And Roy Moore, who helped create the movement, says it is important for Watford fans to show support for one of their own.

“What happened to Nic is terrible and shocking,” Moore said. “It shouldn’t happen to any football fan, we haven’t had anything like that happen for 30 years.

“I know a few of the people that were with Nic when he was attacked and I have seen him in the pub before matches before.

“I can’t really describe how I feel to be honest. That could have happened to any Watford fan last weekend.

“What we are doing on Saturday will show that Watford fans are thinking about Nic.”

The Watford faithful are not the only football fans to show their support for Nic, from Hemel Hempstead.

Following the attack, a Wolves supporter created a donation page called the Nic Cruwys’ Future Football Fund. It has raised more than £25,000 and members of the Hornets squad have donated.

“That shows the good side of football,” Moore said. “Everyone is donating because everyone knows you should be able to go and watch your side and return home safe.

“There have been Wolves fans, Fulham fans and Luton Town fans donating. It really brings home the love people have for football no matter the team they support."

To donate to the Nic Cruwys’ Future Football Fund, visit www.gofundme.com/o8itrk