Watford dedicating push for Premier League promotion to injured fan

Watford have extra motivation to win promotion to the Premier League as the players look to honour a fan who was beaten into a coma following their match against Wolves.

Nick Cruwys, 44, was walking  to a train station near Molineux after the 2-2 draw when he was allegedly set upon by rival supporters who punched and kicked him in the head, leaving him in a coma with life-threatening injuries.

West Midlands Police are searching for the assailants while fans have launched a fundraising appeal to help the milkman's recovery.

The Watford players are dedicating their Premier League push to the injured fan, and midfielder Ben Watson said their backing was evident when fans unfurled a banner in his honour at Vicarage Road last Saturday.

“Everyone was in it together; it was a terrible incident that happened and sadly Nick was on the end of that," Watson said.

“Wolves as well have done their bit for Nick, and everyone associated with Watford have done their bit as well. We wish him a speedy recovery and if we do get promoted, it will be for Nick.”

Watford are making a strong push for promotion and moved one step closer to the Premier League with a convincing 4-1 win over Reading on Saturday. 

The Hornets currently share top spot on the Championship table with Bournemouth, with both clubs on 69 points but the Cherries boasting a better goal difference.

But the added motivation of playing to honour Cruwys has steeled Watford's resolve to step up to the top flight. 

“He’s come to support the boys and he’s ended up in a coma, so that’s not particularly nice and no one deserves that sort of punishment," Watson said.

“We’ll stay strong and hopefully he can pull through and every win we get will be dedicated to Nick.”

Watford next play on Tuesday against a Wigan side that is fighting to avoid relegation.