ACTION MAN

Sportsman 1970

Period: Flock Head

Dates: 1970 until c.1972

Cat No: 34012

Action Man Sportsman Description:

Following the launch of the Action Footballer carded set a greater range of 'Sportsman' kit colours in 1970 it was decided to make the footballer (or Sportsman) a key figure in a box. The flock haired Action Man was outfitted in the familiar England red and white away strip made famous by the 1966 win over Germany at Wembley in the World Cup Finals. In 1970 there would have been a heightened popularity for football, and Palitoy would have hoped England could repeat their winning ways in Mexico to make this figure a firm favourite.

Action Man Sportsman:

34806:

ACTION MAN SPORTSMAN : Figure, dog tag, shirt, shorts, socks, boots, ball, star card, equipment manual.

Notes:

The Action Man football kit was the woolen type - a replacement for the early 'nylon' jerseys that overstretched and/or shrunk/ discoloured. The figure would also wear the new type plastic dog-tag and include a white football. A long sideburns figure was available separately as part of the sharpshooter set, nicknamed the 'George Best'. The boxed figure is a rarity. The Catalogue No 34012 is also used by the Adventurer figure in two of Equipment Manuals which is likely a (repeated) mistake.