THE family of a football fan who was beaten almost to death could face an agonising two-year wait to discover the full extent of his brain injuries.

Jamie Turner, who fell into a coma following the brutal attack in Southampton more than three weeks ago, can now get out of bed and hold short conversations.

However, yesterday his wife Karen revealed that detectives have still not been able to talk to the 45-year-old about the assault which happened as he walked past the Gladstone pub in Clifford Street on May 15.

Speaking at a press conference to make a fresh appeal for witnesses she said: "We haven't approached it. The doctors advised us to go very slowly and we have to take advice before we really talk to him about what happened."

Describing the moment her husband regained consciousness, Mrs Turner added: "As I got up to the side of the bed he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards him. Quite clearly he said to me, 'kiss me'. And I thought, 'what a fantastic first reaction!'"

Mr Turner, a Manchester United fan, was on his way to St Mary's Stadium for the last game of the season which saw Southampton relegated to the Championship division.

The attack happened shortly before kick-off at 3pm and is thought to have involved a number of local men as well as away fans.

Mrs Turner, from Flag Leasow, Madeley, Telford, Shropshire, made her appeal from Donnington Police Station in Telford.

She said: "We are still looking for witnesses and we still want more evidence because everybody wants the person who did this caught.

"Please, please go to the police, even if you wouldn't normally do so.

"I know in some cases you've got to be very brave to go to police, but put your own feelings to one side and think about what Jamie's been through.

"You wouldn't let a dog suffer the way Jamie's suffered. And he's gone through all that when he was just walking along the road on the way to a football match. He didn't do anything to deserve it.

"Help him now by helping us by finding the person who did it and proving that they did it."

A previous appeal for help was made by England football legend Sir Bobby Charlton who appeared on television earlier this month urging witnesses to come forward.

Thousands of fans attending an Elton John concert at the stadium on bank holiday weekend also saw a plea from police flashed up on large screens during the event.

Mr Turner, 45, was transferred from the Wessex Neurological Unit at Southampton General Hospital to the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford where he is currently being treated.

Call police on 0845 045 4545.