Colin Harvey

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Harvey's debut came unexpectedly in 1963, aged 18, against Blackpool in the First Division. Manager Harry Catterick informed him only on the afternoon of the match, moving him to a new position without warning. Harvey recalled, "I just gasped, I didn't have a clue that I was going to play – it was a great way of doing it, he didn't give me a chance to think about it." This sudden introduction highlighted his natural composure under pressure. Harvey's elegant style and technical ability made him a fan favourite, and he later discovered a banner at Goodison Park celebrating him as part of the 'Holy Trinity', calling it "a very proud moment for me" and "really unbelievable" to be compared to such legendary teammates.

In Their Own Story

The 1969–70 season saw Harvey at his peak as part of the famous midfield trio known as the "Holy Trinity" with Alan Ball and Howard Kendall. Widely regarded as the best midfield of their generation, they were the key components of Everton's Football League First Division winning team, captained by Brian Labone. Harry Catterick later claimed that in terms of "skill and ability, Colin was the best of the three." George Best said of that Everton side, "they were a delight to watch and indeed play against." The championship was clinched by Harvey's superb solo goal at Goodison Park against West Bromwich Albion, described as one of the best ever goals to win the league championship. He also helped Everton win the 1970 FA Charity Shield.

Reader's Guide

Harvey's career at Everton spanned three distinct roles: player, manager, and coach. As a player from 1963 to 1974, he made his debut against Inter Milan and became a regular in 1964–65. He formed the 'Holy Trinity' midfield that won the First Division in 1969–70 and the FA Cup in 1965–66. After leaving for Sheffield Wednesday in 1974, he finished his playing career shortly afterwards. Despite club success, he earned only one senior England cap, in a UEFA Euro 1972 qualification match against Malta. As manager from 1987 to 1990, he led Everton to the 1987 FA Charity Shield and managed until Kendall's return, when he stepped down to become assistant. He later served as assistant at Mansfield Town, Oldham Athletic, and Burnley, before returning as Everton's youth coach. His final role was as chief scout for Bolton Wanderers from 2008 until July 2012.

Did You Know?

• Harvey made his Everton debut aged 18 against Blackpool in the First Division, finding out he was playing only on the afternoon of the match.
• He was a key part of the legendary 'Holy Trinity' midfield at Everton, alongside Alan Ball and Howard Kendall.
• The goal that effectively clinched the 1969–70 First Division title was scored by Joe Royle against West Bromwich Albion, not a solo goal by Colin Harvey.
• Despite his club success, Harvey earned only one senior England cap, in a friendly against Malta on 12 May 1971.
• Evertonians nominated Harvey for an MBE for over forty years of service to the club.

Early Career and Playing Style

James Colin Harvey was born in Liverpool on 16 November 1944 and joined Everton as an apprentice in 1960. He made his debut in 1963, aged 18, against Italian side Inter Milan in a European Cup tie in the chaotic San Siro Stadium. He became a first team regular during the 1964–65 season. Harvey was often described as an elegant and skilful player and was nicknamed the "White Pelé" by Everton fans. Kenneth Wolstenholme commented during the 1968 FA Cup final, "A beautiful footballer this boy," while Goal magazine called him "a delightful player to watch." The 'White Pele' nickname came about because of his natural ability, grace and technique. Harvey recalled discovering a banner at the Park End at Goodison saying something about him and the white Pele, calling it "a very proud moment for me" and "really unbelievable" to be compared to "probably the best player that ever played the game."

The Holy Trinity and Peak Success

Harvey became a part of the famous midfield trio known as the "Holy Trinity" with Alan Ball and Howard Kendall. Widely regarded as the best midfield of their generation, they were the key components of Everton's Football League First Division winning team in the 1969–70 season captained by Brian Labone. Harry Catterick claimed that in terms of "skill and ability, Colin was the best of the three." George Best said of the late 1960s/early 70s Everton side, "they were a delight to watch and indeed play against." Harvey's superb solo goal clinched the title at Goodison Park vs West Bromwich Albion, described as one of the best ever goals to win the league championship. He also helped Everton win the 1970 FA Charity Shield. Despite his success at club level, Harvey only made one appearance for the senior England team, in a UEFA Euro 1972 qualification game against Malta.

Managerial Tenure and Later Roles

After leading Everton to the First Division title in 1986–87, Howard Kendall left to manage Athletic Bilbao and Harvey stepped up to manage Everton. Harvey led them to the 1987 FA Charity Shield and managed the club until 1990, when Kendall returned to manage Everton and Harvey stepped down to be his assistant. Harvey left Everton shortly after Kendall's departure in December 1993. He then had a brief spell as assistant manager at Mansfield Town and in November 1994 became assistant to Oldham Athletic's new player-manager Graeme Sharp. Sharp left Oldham in March 1997, and Harvey followed him out, but was soon back in the game as Burnley assistant manager to Adrian Heath. After just a matter of months he was appointed Everton's youth coach when Howard Kendall became manager for a third time. In 2008 Harvey began working for Bolton Wanderers, during Gary Megson's tenure. In July 2012 it was announced that Harvey had left his chief scouting role after just over four years at the club.

Legacy and Personal Life

Evertonians have nominated Colin Harvey for an MBE for over forty years worth of service to Everton F.C. Harvey is married to Maureen and lives in Aughton, Lancashire. Colin Harvey's brother, Brian Harvey, was a footballer who forged a career playing for clubs on four continents before coaching in Hong Kong and Oklahoma. As a player, Harvey's honours with Everton include the Football League First Division title in 1969–70, the FA Cup in 1965–66, and the FA Charity Shield in 1970. He was also an FA Cup runner-up in 1967–68. As a manager, he led Everton to the FA Cup final in 1988–89, finishing as runner-up.