Colin Harvey
The elegant 'White Pelé' who formed the Holy Trinity and clinched the title with a solo goal.
James Colin Harvey (born 16 November 1944) is an English former professional footballer who is best known for his time as a player, coach and manager with Everton.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- James Colin Harvey
- Born
- 16 November 1944
- Birthplace
- Liverpool, England
- Position
- Midfielder
- Total caps
- 365
- Total goals
- 20
Lore & Background
Harvey was born in Liverpool, England and joined Everton as an apprentice in 1960. He was often described as an elegant and skilful player and was nicknamed the 'White Pelé' by Everton fans. 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 became a part of the famous midfield trio known as the 'Holy Trinity' with Alan Ball and Howard Kendall. They were key components of Everton's Football League First Division winning team in the 1969–70 season captained by Brian Labone. Harvey's superb solo goal clinched the title at Goodison Park vs West Bromwich Albion. He also helped Everton win the 1970 FA Charity Shield. In 1974 he left Everton to join Sheffield Wednesday, where he finished his playing career shortly afterwards. Despite his success at club level Harvey only made one appearance for the senior England team; this coming in a UEFA Euro 1972 qualification game against Malta. After leading Everton to the First Division title in 1986–87, 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 and Harvey stepped down to be his assistant. Harvey left Everton shortly after Kendall's departure in December 1993, 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 as Burnley assistant manager to Adrian Heath, then 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. Harvey is married to Maureen and lives in Aughton, Lancashire. His brother, Brian Harvey, was a footballer who forged a career playing for clubs on four continents before coaching in Hong Kong and Oklahoma.
Reader's Guide
Harvey made his debut in 1963 against Inter Milan in a European Cup tie. He was part of the 'Holy Trinity' midfield with Alan Ball and Howard Kendall. His solo goal against West Bromwich Albion clinched the 1969–70 First Division title. His only England cap came in a UEFA Euro 1972 qualification game against Malta. He managed Everton from 1987 to 1990, winning the 1987 FA Charity Shield.
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."
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.
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