THEY may be languishing just above the relegation zone but, when it comes to how they sing, Blackburn Rovers fans are high-fliers.

Boffins have discovered that fans at Ewood Park are nearly always in perfect pitch when they belt out their favourite chants -- even though things are not so perfect on the pitch.

Using state-of-the-art scientific sound equipment, Professor David Howard from the University of York analysed recordings of all Premier League fans singing at home games and compiled a league table with the findings, with Rovers coming in at seventh.

Southampton fans have proved to be top of the kops at number one, with Manchester United in familiar territory at the top end of the table in second.

Bolton Wanderers, who are struggling for survival in the real league, are rooted to the bottom with fans who are distinctly out of tune.

Professor Howard examined the collective voice of Rovers fans to determine how in tune they were and how often they went sharp or flat -- the key elements of good singing.

He said: "Blackburn Rovers fans kick-off with a consistently good starting pitch and rhythm and this mixes well with the drummers.

"But, unfortunately, the fans only stick to a limited number of songs."

Season ticket holder Matthew Haworth, of Great Harwood, is one of the five drummers whose beats get Ewood Park rocking.

He said: "It's our job to generate the atmosphere and when we get behind the players it is great. Sometimes there hasn't been much to sing about but the players really respond when everyone is behind them. They love it."

And he promised that next season he and his band of musical pals would get further up the table and challenge for the top spot.

He said: "We are going to improve the atmosphere by hopefully introducing an official brass band section and having some theme music for when the players come out. Hopefully we can go up that table and the real one as well."

And Pauline Perkins, secretary of Blackburn Rovers Supporters' Club, added: "I'm sure that the fans' singing helps the team. In Cardiff the atmosphere was unbelievable and we won the Worthington Cup.

"I would definitely swap positions in the real league with the one in this."

The Top 10 singing league is:

1) Southampton

2) Manchester United

3) Derby County

4) Newcastle United

5) Liverpool

6) Charlton

7) Blackburn Rovers

8) West Ham United

9) Everton

10) Leicester City

Rovers popular songs:

- All You Need is (Damien) Duff

- Andy Cole, Andy Cole Andy, Andy Cole (repeat 70 times)

- Dunny for England

- There's Only One Jack Walker

- The Blackburn Aces (to the tune of Blaydon Races)