Ok, so simple really, here's how.
Goto --> Customise --> Accounts --> Page Layout
select a page layout.
Action "Edit"
This brings up a list of the panels on the page... scroll down...
You'll see one called "Related List Section"
these are the panels I was originally referring to.
Click on the "List?" you want to add fields to. (should be selected blue)
Click "Edit Properties"
wait for a dialog blog.. add the fields you want to be displayed to the right side.
Save... And SAVE the layout changed.
DONE...
hope one day this helps someone.