Reds fans inspire Carlsberg winner
The unwavering belief of Liverpool supporters emerged as the key ingredient yet again as Carlsberg marked the 200th birthday of their founder J.C. Jacobsen by selecting a fitting winner of their 'inspiration' competition.
The Danish brewer asked fans to get involved in the C200 celebrations after attributing their success over the years to the man who started it all way back in 1847.
They wanted to know what inspires Reds supporters and you responded in your hundreds with a flurry of fantastic entries.
Carlsberg's brand and sponsorship team eventually whittled it down to a top 14 with Alan Waters' suggestion securing the prize of a tour of the brewery as well as the opportunity to take in an FC Copenhagen match.
Alan's inspiration:
When I think about what inspires me, I think about Liverpool fans, a body of people who've inspired many to greatness over the years. Whether it's at Anfield or away, the unending singing and noise they generate is an inspiration to the 11 on the pitch, and everyone connected with the club. They have an unshakeable belief in the team, even when all hope appears to be lost. I think about that famous night in Istanbul, when no-one but the true fans gave the team a chance, but they still came away with the trophy. That level of belief, and a never say die attitude is truly inspirational.
Alan Waters
Other notable entries included:
My wife, my kids and Liverpool FC, not necessarily in that order!
Aidan O'Reilly
Quite simply, when I need inspiration I cast my mind back to May 2005 in the Ataturk stadium. From despair to hope in six fateful minutes. This always reminds me that when faced with any sort of challenge you have hope if you have belief. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
Andrew Jamieson
A little (red!) ant carrying a grain of sand to build an ant hill amazes me because that ant has hope, belief and solidarity that it can achieve something great together with the other (red!) ants.
Jerry Arulandu
My inspiration is looking for the perfect moment in time like the sound of opening a bottle of Carlsberg.
Robert White
I'm inspired by cool. Cool under pressure, like Dirk Kuyt stepping up to take a penalty or when Luis Suarez nonchalantly flicks the ball round a defender ...Cool like Frank Sinatra at his Ratpack peak, holding court and looking sharp ...Cool like Keith Richard as he strums a chord... Cool like a drop of condensation sliding down a bottle of Carlsberg Export standing on the bar...
Rob Leighton