SOCCER pundit Mark Lawrenson must shave off his famous moustache after Wanderers secured a place in the Premiership.

The lippy critic, who has constantly tipped Bolton Wanderers to be relegated, was given a "put up or shut up ultimatum" by four fans who appeared on BBC 1's Football Focus earlier in the season.

And, despite looking nervous, the ex-Liverpool defender accepted a challenge to call time on his quarter of a century old moustache if Bolton stayed up against his cutting predictions.

When Ipswich lost to Manchester United on Saturday it was a game which not only cost the famous ex-Liverpool his facial hair, but could cost the Suffolk club a place in the Premiership depending upon the results in the final games on Saturday, May 11.

The result gave Bolton a cast iron guarantee of another season among the best 20 clubs in the country and will secure some charity cash for Bolton Hospice.

A BBC spokesman has suggested that if Bolton are to stay in the Premiership Lawro wants the moustache to be cut as soon as possible so that he can grow it back in time for the World Cup.

And viewers have recently been teased by the sight of a Mayfair barber sharpening his razor in anticipation of the star's arrival and fans are now getting excited.

Gary Parkinson, a member of the 'raggle-taggle group of moustache removers', says his clean-shaven face will be a public admission of how wrong the presenter was.

He said: "We are delighted. He cannot go on the show next time with his 'tache.

"It's going to be embarrassing for him but it serves him right - you cannot take a good club down.

"There is something to be said about moustaches after Sam Allardyce shaved his off at the beginning of the season."

Another member Simon Maddrell says he is hoping Sam Allardyce will be the man with the razor.

"It would be great if the towel was pulled off his face and there was big Sam sharpening his razor.

"Sam has been a fantastic manager. He has hired a lot of very good players and the way the players have improved their fitness and performance is outstanding. There are many people calling for him to get manager of the season."

Simon said the moustache challenge also had a serious side.

"The reason why we did it is because we felt the team were not getting the credit they deserved.

"We were making a stand against that."

And for those who want to try that again, the fans have this warning: "It could have dire consequences."

The group has so far raised more £1,500 for Bolton Hospice. Anyone who would like to donate more cash can send a cheque to The Mark Lawrenson Challenge, c/o 43 Churchgate, Bolton , BL1 1TH.

If Bolton had been relegated the money would have gone to a charity of Lawrenson's choice.