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In pictures: Football heroes including Kevin Keegan, George Best and Bobby Charlton given the stamp of approval

Royal Mail issue commemorative stamps to mark anniversary

Friday 08 February 2013 15:02 GMT

In pictures: Football heroes including Kevin Keegan, George Best and Bobby Charlton given the stamp of approval

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1/12In pictures: Football heroes including Kevin Keegan, George Best and Bobby Charlton given the stamp of approval

In pictures: Football heroes including Kevin Keegan, George Best and Bobby Charlton given the stamp of approval

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9 May 2013 will see Royal Mail celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishing of the rules of Association Football, with the release of a set of stamps entitled ‘Football Heroes’. The launch also coincides with the 150th anniversary year of the Football Association and the 140th anniversary year of the Scottish Football Association.
The 11 1st Class stamps will feature individual footballers from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, all of whom were supremely gifted, talented players who stood out in their generation and beyond. The stamps have been illustrated by artist Andrew Kinsman, who took existing photography of all the players, then created a composite artwork, so when the 11 stamps are placed together, they form a traditional team shot.
The eleven players selected were chosen for their outstanding record on the pitch and representation of their home countries. All are in the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame.

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In pictures: Football heroes including Kevin Keegan, George Best and Bobby Charlton given the stamp of approval

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In pictures: Football heroes including Kevin Keegan, George Best and Bobby Charlton given the stamp of approval

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In pictures: Football heroes including Kevin Keegan, George Best and Bobby Charlton given the stamp of approval

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In pictures: Football heroes including Kevin Keegan, George Best and Bobby Charlton given the stamp of approval

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In pictures: Football heroes including Kevin Keegan, George Best and Bobby Charlton given the stamp of approval

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In pictures: Football heroes including Kevin Keegan, George Best and Bobby Charlton given the stamp of approval

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In pictures: Football heroes including Kevin Keegan, George Best and Bobby Charlton given the stamp of approval

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In pictures: Football heroes including Kevin Keegan, George Best and Bobby Charlton given the stamp of approval

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In pictures: Football heroes including Kevin Keegan, George Best and Bobby Charlton given the stamp of approval

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In pictures: Football heroes including Kevin Keegan, George Best and Bobby Charlton given the stamp of approval

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In pictures: Football heroes including Kevin Keegan, George Best and Bobby Charlton given the stamp of approval

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Royal Mail is marking the 150th anniversary of the establishing of the rules of Association Football, with a stamp issue celebrating 11 of the greatest football heroes from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The stamps launch on 9 May 2013, but fans can pre-order them through Royal Mail.

Click here or 'VIEW GALLERY' for a preview of the stamps...

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