A DEVOTED football fan from Redditch has thanked his beloved club after they came together to help him recover from a coma.

West Bromwich Albion supporter Peter George contracted coronavirus in March and was hospitalised after his condition worsened.

The 65-year-old received intensive care treatment at both the Alexandra Hospital and Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

He was placed on a ventilator and induced into a coma, but his vital organs started to fail.

His family were not allowed on the live Covid ward and their messages of support played over phones were not cutting through to Peter.

Inspired by her husband’s love of the Baggies, Peter's wife Teresa George decided to ask a friend to make a compilation of music associated with the club, including ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd,’ ‘Insomnia’ and ‘The Liquidator.’

She said the music encouraged Peter’s legs and arms to start moving – the “first signs of life” he was showing since he went into the coma.

Peter’s reaction to the music reached Rob Lake, director of The Albion Foundation, who organised Albion player Chris Brunt, former player Bob Taylor and club boss Slaven Bilić to record a message of encouragement. The recorded messages were being played by the nurses at Peter’s bedside.

Baggies boss Slaven Bilić said in his message to Peter: “We need you back at The Hawthorns. Make sure you fight this and come back to us.”

Peter then received messages of support from players Tony Brown, Graham Williams, Brendon Batson and others as his positive reactions continued.

He eventually emerged from his coma Friday, April 13, came off the ventilator and went on to make a complete recovery from the virus.

Teresa told West Bromwich Albion: “It’s now a standing joke in our house. He didn’t pay a blind bit of attention to his family talking to him but the moment the Albion arrived, that was it.

“But from that first piece of music there was a massive reaction – that’s really where he started his recovery.

“I’ll never be able to thank you enough for investing in my family. They have proved to me that our club is not just about football. It is, in every sense of the word, a family."

Peter thanked the "incredible" NHS staff for helping him make his recovery. He said: "A lot of what happened when I was out of it I can’t remember and it’s a bit hazy at times but the care that I received makes me so proud of our nurses and medical staff.

“They are just brilliant, and I owe them everything.

“I can’t believe so many of my heroes went to this trouble for me. But I’ve got the messages to keep for all time.

“Now I just can’t wait to get down to The Hawthorns again, get my seat in the Brummie Road and see the boys come out. None of us know when that will be - but I will be there.”