Gary Warwick was on his way home in the early hours of Sunday morning when the assault happened.
He is currently in at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast and is being treated for his injuries.
Ards manager Niall Currie said he was "sickened" by the incident.
"It's just sickening that this could happen to such a lovely, decent fella. He's the last person who would attract any kind of confrontation - a gentleman who wouldn't say boo to a goose.
"He's got a lovely family, he's in a lovely relationship with his girlfriend who he's engaged to.
"But fingers crossed he'll make a full recovery and we can bring him into the Ards family again and hopefully he'll be celebrating at the end of the season.
"All of us at the club are thinking about him and praying for him. But he's a strong boy, he'll pull through."