A £1,000 reward has been offered by a regional daily to help trace the “cowards” who left a football fan fighting for his life.

Wolverhampton’s Express & Star is putting up the cash for anyone who provides information leading to the conviction of those who left Watford FC supporter Nicky Cruwys with life-threatening head injuries as he was walking to the city’s railway station.

The attack took place on Saturday afternoon after Nicky, pictured left, had seen his side draw 2-2 against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Express & Star editor Keith Harrison said the paper would do whatever it could to help the police find the perpetrators, declaring:  “Enough is enough.”

Nicky was with a group of friends who were chased by a gang of yobs after the match.

While others in his group escaped, Nicky was tripped by one of the attackers and kicked around the head, even though he already appeared to be unconscious.

The attack lasted only 10 seconds before the gang strolled off and passers by ran to his aid.

Nicky’s wife Jodie is at his bedside at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital while her family look after the children at home in Hemel Hempstead.

Said Keith: “Enough is enough. We will do whatever we can to help West Midlands Police find these attackers. Someone knows who these cowards are

“Please ring our confidential helpline or contact the police via Crimestoppers. People can call anonymously or even send a text – but we must find these thugs.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers spokesman Matt Grayson added: “We implore anyone with information about the incident to contact the police.

“Hopefully the Express & Star’s reward will convince even more people to come forward.”