Appeal raises £15k for football fan, 44, left fighting for life after gang attack following Wolves match

• Watford fan attacked walking to Wolverhampton railway station is named locally as Nick Cruwys

• Wolves fans condemn attack online

• One fan sets up a fund online which reaches £10,000 in a few hours

• Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey pledges club will work closely with police

The Watford FC supporter, named locally as Nick Cruwys, was with a group of friends walking to the train station when they were jumped by a gang in Little's Lane on Saturday.

Police said the friends were 'completely outnumbered' and the 44-year-old from Hemel Hempstead was left with life-threatening head injuries.

The attack happened around 5pm, shortly after the game ended 2-2.

• Wolves fans have expressed their disgust over the attack, with one, Ollie Floyd, starting an on-line fundraising campaign for the victim, which had raised £10,000 in just a few hours.

• To donate to the cause, which had reached nearly £15,000 by 9pm on Monday, visit http://www.gofundme.com/o8itrk

Sergeant Adam Keen, from West Midlands Police, said: "The group of friends were completely outnumbered and the victim suffered a severe head injury which has left him in a critical condition in hospital.

"His family have been informed and we are in the process of taking statements from witnesses and locating any CCTV which might have captured those responsible for the attack."

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey said the club was 'saddened' to learn of the assault and would be working closely with the police as they investigate.

"The club will offer whatever resources it can to help them get to the bottom of this horrendous incident," he said.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of this incident and our thoughts go out to the supporter concerned and his family.

"As a club we deplore any violence in or around football matches, and we will work closely with the relevant authorities to help bring the perpetrator, or perpetrators, to justice.

"All right-minded football supporters will share in our disgust at this violent incident, and I would implore anyone with any information to contact the police."

And Watford FC added: "The thoughts of everyone associated with Watford FC are with a Hornets' supporter - at yesterday's game - who is now critically ill after an unprovoked post-match attack.

"The club urges anyone who can assist police with any information to contact police."

Many took to Twitter to express their disgust over the attack.

Watford FC's assistant coach Dean Austin, who tweeted: "From all of us at Watford FC, all thoughts are with Nick Cruwys who was viciously attacked after yesterday's game in Wolves. Our thoughts are with his wife and two young children. Keep fighting buddy."

Anyone with information which could help the investigation is asked to contact police on 101.

Anyone not wishing to speak to a police officer can give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Further reaction on Twitter: