Colin Harvey

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

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 key components of Everton's Football League First Division winning team in the 1969–70 season captained by Brian Labone. Harry Catterick later claimed that in terms of "skill and ability, Colin was the best of the three." The goal that clinched the title at Goodison Park vs West Bromwich Albion was a header from Joe Royle in a 2–0 win on 4 April 1970, with Harvey playing a key part in the build-up. He also helped Everton win the 1970 FA Charity Shield. Despite his club success, Harvey only made one appearance for the senior England team, in a UEFA Euro 1972 qualification game against Malta.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights hummed over the chaotic San Siro Stadium in 1963. Harvey, aged 18, had no idea he would be playing until the team meeting after lunch. Manager Harry Catterick said, "Dennis Stevens – you move to number 4 and Colin Harvey goes to number 8." 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, I just had to go out there and play!" He went out, did his best, and did okay. Years later, of the late 1960s/early 70s Everton side, George Best said "they were a delight to watch and indeed play against."

Reader's Guide

Colin Harvey joined Everton as an apprentice in 1960 and made his debut in 1963 against Inter Milan. He became a first team regular during the 1964–65 season. He was often described as an elegant and skilful player, nicknamed the "White Pelé" by Everton fans. Kenneth Wolstenhome commented during the 1968 FA Cup final, "A beautiful footballer this boy," while Goal magazine called him "a delightful player to watch."

Harvey was part of the "Holy Trinity" midfield with Alan Ball and Howard Kendall, key to Everton winning the Football League First Division in 1969–70. His solo goal vs West Bromwich Albion clinched the title. He also won the FA Cup in 1965–66 and was runner-up in 1967–68, and won the 1970 FA Charity Shield. In 1974 he left Everton to join Sheffield Wednesday, where he finished his playing career shortly afterwards. After managing Everton from 1987 to 1990, leading them to the 1987 FA Charity Shield, he later worked as assistant manager at Mansfield Town, Oldham Athletic, and Burnley, before returning to Everton as youth coach. In 2008 he began working for Bolton Wanderers, leaving his chief scouting role in July 2012.

Did You Know?

• Harvey was nicknamed the 'White Pelé' by Everton fans, a nickname he first learned about from a banner at the Park End at Goodison Park.
• He made his Everton debut aged 18 against Manchester United in a First Division match on 19 October 1963, finding out he was playing only at the team lunch that day.
• Harvey formed the 'Holy Trinity' midfield with Alan Ball and Howard Kendall, widely regarded as the best midfield of their generation.
• Despite his club success, Harvey only made one appearance for the senior England team, in a UEFA Euro 1972 qualification game against Malta.
• Colin Harvey's brother, Brian Harvey, was a footballer who played for clubs on four continents before coaching in Hong Kong and Oklahoma.