Allardyce, Lawro and Little bristling with ideas for charity

But BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson is now attempting to grow it back -- in a bid to raise cash for charity.

The Match of the Day man and former Liverpool defender said two years ago he was so convinced Wanderers would go down that he would shave his lip hair if he was proved wrong.

Bolton stayed up and the moustache had to go.

Lawro has remained moustacheless ever since but has decided to regrow it to raise funds for research into testicular and prostate cancer.

And he is being joined by Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce who, along with former Bolton School pupil and actor Ralf Little, is also taking up the challenge.

The Whites boss will cultivate his facial hair during September and fans at the Reebok will soon get used to the sight of a bristly Sam pacing the touchline next month.

Fundraising moustache growers are allowed to choose their own style, whether it be a manly Tom Selleck or trimmed Des Lynam look. But the rules strictly state that beards are not allowed.

Allardyce said: "I'm sure a tache will look great and should at least keep my top lip warm while I'm in the dug out! I bet I get one or two slightly less complimentary comments, but it's all for a good cause."

The shaving of Lawro's moustache was also a money-spinner for charity. A group of Wanderers fan donated £1,750 to Bolton Hospice for Lawro to stand by his promise.

And this week, actor Ralf Little donned a fake moustache when he launched the campaign for the Everyman male cancer research centre. Last year, the campaign raised more than £100,000.

Alison Morgan, of the Everyman campaign, said: "We are delighted that Sam Allardyce is taking the plunge and growing a tache.

"It's an easy way for any man to raise money for our charity and we hope to raise a lot of money so that scientists can find out more about testicular and prostate cancers," she added.

For details about joining the challenge and how to get sponsorship, call 0800 7319468 or visit www.tacheback.com