A sad update has been made by Nottingham Forest fan Stephen Crean who stood up to the Huntingdon train attacker.
The 61-year-old intervened in a mass stabbing incident on a train from Doncaster to London on the 1st of November, while on his way home from his side’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United.
He sustained severe injuries to his left hand that will not fully recover, with doctors estimating a best-case 75% regain of use.
“It meant the world to me. I could see people clapping, applauding and I just thank them so much”
Stephen Crean has been talking to us about his recovery and his return to the City Ground. https://t.co/f3qtcWXAmT#nffc pic.twitter.com/hMkI49Fm0o
— BBC Nottingham Sport (@BBCRNS) November 15, 2025
Anthony Williams, 32, appeared in court and has been charged with 11 counts of attempted murder, including that of Stephen Crean – two counts of possession of a bladed article and one count of actual bodily harm.
One of the attempted murder counts relates to a separate incident.
Crean, who has no regrets in facing the attacker, has undergone one operation on his arm and fingers since, and is recovering at home while unable to work.
Crean said he felt the knife “twist and turn” in his hand when he grabbed hold of it.
“Even though the cuts might be deep at the back, it’s the hand. I can feel it especially at nighttime, it’s a nightmare,” he added.
Football showing its best side 🙌
Stephen Crean – the 61-year-old hero who was stabbed seven times trying to protect passengers during the Huntingdon train attack – received a standing ovation at Nottingham Forest this weekend.
The lifelong Forest fan was not only given a seat… pic.twitter.com/neN7RMGxpx
— Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu (@RobsonKanu) November 11, 2025
He spoke of the moment that doctors told him they would try to get back “75% use” of his hand, but as he works at a printers and is left-handed, he fears for the future.
“I will get better. I know [my hand] won’t be 100%, but it will get better,” Crean said.
He’s taking his physical recovery “day by day”, but also by trying to talk to people about what happened, he it finding it to be a kind of “cure” to him.
“I was in absolute bits because I don’t want anyone, especially my family, to see me like this,” he added, of an emotional moment after the attack.
Of the £62,000 raised on the donation page, £10,000 of that was from Nottingham Forest, of whom he has been season ticket holder with for 35 years, and a supporter of over 50 years.
He was given a standing ovation from supporter as he arrived at the City Ground for the game against Leeds, shook the hands of many, and was praised by club owner Evangelos Marinakis and head coach Sean Dyche.
In the match programme, Dyche said: “I would like to first reiterate the sentiment from the owner and the club by offering my condolences to all those affected by the terrible incident on the train after the Manchester United game last weekend. Some of our supporters were directly impacted, and the courage shown by those who helped others in such difficult circumstances has come to light. We are thankful to those people and send our best wishes to everyone concerned.”
Crean said: “It meant the world to me. I could see people clapping, applauding and I just thank them so much.”
“I would have been happy with a few quid to go down the pub. I didn’t expect anything.”
Forest said: “Nottingham Forest Football Club wishes to express its deepest concern and heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by the shocking attack on an LNER train bound for London yesterday evening.
“Many of our London-based supporters were travelling home on that train following our match at the City Ground, and our thoughts are very much with everyone caught up in such a distressing incident.
“The club is aware that many individuals demonstrated extraordinary bravery which undoubtedly helped prevent even greater harm. The entire Nottingham Forest family stands firmly behind them as they recover from the events of yesterday.”
A donation page, which has been set up for Stephen, reads: “Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.
“London based Nottingham Forest supporter Stephen Crean was travelling home from the Forest v Manchester United game on Saturday evening and was caught up in the shocking knife attacks on the LNER train to London.
“Steve confronted the attacker and sustained serious knife wounds to the head, back and his hands. It is likely his selfless actions saved lives. Our thoughts are with Steve and his family, and everyone else involved in this incident.
“Steve has been a regular fixture at Forest home and away games for many years, making the long journey up from London, and is well known amongst our fanbase.
“This page has been set up by a group of Forest fans who know Steve and would like to provide him with some financial support whilst he recovers from his injuries.
“Best wishes from all of us and get well soon Steve.”
Link to said fundraiser here.https://t.co/uwacdU2ptV
— Richard (@RedWallPleb) November 5, 2025
