SOME cynics will label Nick Makinson as a football anorak but his sporting knowledge has long since earned him the unofficial title of East Lancashire's soccer quiz king.

He can converse in confidence with fans from all over the country on the beautiful game as well as providing fascinating facts to anyone who cares to listen.

In 1996 Nick was named as the "Mastermind" of Blackburn Rovers when his specialised knowledge of all things Ewood secured him victory in a competition held by the team's supporters' club.

And tonight the 44-year-old Rovers fan is hoping to secure the double when he appears on ITV's Soccer Brain 2000 at 10.30pm.

Although the show was filmed on Saturday, Nick is sworn to secrecy as to whether he came top of the league or was relegated to a football dunce.

"All I will say is that I didn't let myself down," said Nick, adopting a question-deflection technique which any football manager would be proud of. "I was nervous when I was asked the first question, which I got wrong, but I managed to compose myself from there."

Nick's appearance on the show, hosted by Anthony H Wilson, stemmed from a TV advert and a knockout-style selection process.

After being whittled down to one of 15 from more than 1,300 who entered, Nick, who appropriately lives in Midfield, Langho, went along to the television studios in Manchester on Saturday to compete. Under the glare of the spotlight and seated centre-stage in the hot-seat, Nick was grilled on three subjects: general football, North West football and his specialist subject, Blackburn Rovers. After a shaky start Nick played his normal game and "did all right."

Although he does not specifically research Rovers the self-employed accountant said the nature of his work played its part. "I seem to have a memory for useless information. With the job I have to remember facts and figures and I think this is just a different side to that. I have been going to watch Rovers since 1964 and in my experience I have just picked things up. I don't purposely read football encyclopaedias."

Nick's knowledge and enthusiasm are not shared by all the family.

"My wife Christine sighs sometimes but she knew what I was like when we met," said Nick, who has only missed one Rovers home game in nearly a decade. "My son Jonathan comes with me and he was in the audience at the filming.

"But my teenage daughters are more into Westlife." TEST your football knowledge against the Brain of East Lancashire with these Telegraph Teasers written for us especially by Nick Makinson -- and win an England shirt.

The first correct entry drawn will receive a shirt kindly donated by Gibsons Sport, of Blackburn.

1. Who scored Blackburn Rovers' first goal in the Premier League?

2. When Burnley beat Leyton Orient in 1987 to keep league status which team was relegated to the conference?

3. Who scored the winning goal for Manchester United in the 1990 FA Cup final?

4. Which Burnley player scored the 100th FA Cup final goal at Wembley?

5. Which German team did Kevin Keegan play for?

6. Who won the last First Division title in 1992 before it changed to the Premier League?

7. What number did Martin Peters wear in the 1966 World Cup?

8. What year did Accrington Stanley fall out of the league?

9. Who was the first player to be sent off in an FA Cup Final?

10. Which team provided the opposition in Alan Shearer's last game for Blackburn Rovers?

To stand a chance of winning the shirt send your answers no later than July 19 to Soccer Shirt, Editorial Department, Lancashire Evening Telegraph. Entries can be posted to High Street, Blackburn; Bridge Street, Darwen; Kierby Walk, Burnley; Edgar Street, Accrington; and Martin's News Castle Street, Clitheroe, or email to jdiffley@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk -- don't foget your home address!

Usual Telegraph rules apply.