Never mind the goals from their teams - footy fans are showing they can score in the style stakes.

While West Ham United supporters are the most stylish in Britain, according to a new report, Southend's are tops in Essex.

A survey for Burton Menswear and Match of the Day Magazine judged fans on a range of criteria - from what they wear at matches to how much they spend on clothes.

Comfortably topping the poll were the Hammers, with Southend fans 24th out of 102. Essex rivals Colchester came 34th.

Nicole Bardell, of the West Ham United Merchandise Shop in Clifftown Road, Southend, said fashion-conscious fellas were keen to look their best. New sports kit from chic Italian manufacturer Fila has also helped raise fashion into a new league, she said.

Nicole added: "We get lots of young blokes in here and they all want to look smart. It generally has a lot to do with how they want to look - and fashion, too. We have got some nice players as well, so we also get a lot of girls in."

Lorraine Main, product development consultant for Southend United, said the enthusiasm of fans meant much more club merchandise was in the pipeline, including leisurewear.

Mrs Main, who was previously a buyer for Burton, said: "I think Blues' fans look great. It seems men are getting so particular now - they want to wear something nice.

"Men's standards are a lot higher. I have to say men, because it is mainly a man's thing - although there are women who enjoy wearing the men's football and rugby shirts, too."

Our tops are tops! - West Ham shop supervisor Nicole Bardell shows why you can put your shirt on their fashion

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.