Tyre manufacturer Maxxis has announced the winners of its hugely popular web-based competitions, in which official Liverpool FC memorabilia, signed by the club’s big name players, was on offer to fans.

Autographed shirts went to Shaun from Cromer in Norfolk, Liam from Wigan and Jon, who lives in Laxey on the Isle of Man.

They were among an army of Reds fans who accepted the challenge to identify Liverpool FC strikers, midfielders and defenders – both current stars and famous names from yesteryear – whose faces were artfully disguised with a Maxxis tread pattern.

Liam, who has been a Liverpool FC fan since the mid-1980s, said: “I don’t usually bother with competitions, but I was intrigued by this one, so thought I’d have a go.  It was a real shock to win, to be honest, and I’m absolutely delighted with the shirt which I’ve put away to keep safe.”

An equally surprised Shaun has supported Liverpool FC for 25 years and tries to get to a game once a year, although he buys the club shirt each season.  He said: “I’m not really into competitions, but Maxxis was offering such a great prize that I decided to try my luck.  The signed shirt is great – I’m going to frame it and put it on the wall.”

Maxxis, which is an Official Sponsor of Liverpool FC and recently extended its partnership deal until 2015, was delighted with the reaction to the free competitions, which it has been running via www.maxxis.co.uk for the past three months.

“Our partnership with Liverpool FC gives us the opportunity to develop engaging campaigns with Reds fans, often involving unique prizes that money can’t buy, and they are a key part of a programme of initiatives that is helping to enhance Maxxis brand awareness among a global audience,” says Maxxis International UK’s managing director Derek McMartin.