Colin Harvey @ The Winslow

Ian Snodin, Colin Harvey, John Bailey, Roger Kenyon, & Mickey Finn

Colin Watches as Mickey Tells the Jokes

Colin & the rest are in stitches

The White Pele Retires

One of Everton's all time greats, Colin Harvey is to retire. He has been a player, coach, & manager at Everton. So get down to Goodison Park on Sunday to watch his Testimonial game.

Colin says: "I’ve had the hip trouble and it’s been limiting what I’ve been able to do on the training ground. All good things come to an end and with it being nearly 40 years since my debut and with my testimonial coming up, it’s as nice a time to go as any."

Colin, affectionately known as the White Pele in his younger days will always remembered as part of the Holy Trinity. Along with Alan Ball, & Howard Kendall, he run riot through opposing midfield players with his silky skills. To say he was one of the most skilful players ever to play for Everton, doesn't do him justice. He was pure class. With his hunger & his unbelievable work rate, superb positional play, pinpoint passing, Colin should have won more than his 1 England cap. (10/06/03)

The Holy Trinity @ Hall of Fame 2003

Click here for the full exclusive interview with Colin Harvey

Winners of tickets for Colin's Testimonial Match,
when Everton play Bologna on Sunday, 10th August 2003.

The Holy Trinity @ Goodison Park 1960's

To order a copy of The Holy Trinity, signed by Colin, Howie, & Bally, click here.

The White Pele

Praise For Colin Harvey From Fans & Players.

Have you a story or comments to make about Colin Harvey? E-mail Blue Kipper

Reg Gates says: "The best tribute i could pay Colin,is to say that when Everton played Man city in the sixties',Mal Allison said "we never worried about Ball or Kendall ,we just put someone on Harvey".If you saw the guy play then you know why there are so many tribute's. Thank's for the memories' Colin."

Leo Hickey says: "Many people here have commented about Colin’s star quality on the pitch, which is undoubtedly true, but I feel even stronger agreement with those who have praised his personal qualities too.

At a time when so many professional footballers cause embarrassment and irritation to their clubs’ fans, it’s worth remembering that in Colin Harvey we have a man we can all be proud of. In the limited personal experience I have of Colin I’ve always found him to be a kind, decent, slightly shy and self-deprecating man off the field, but one with straightforward, honest confidence in his ability and a determination to give his best as a player and to get the best out of the players he coached.

Never can there be a representative of any football club more deserving of the fans’ respect. We can be certain that he has always been one of our own and always will be. It may make him blush to hear it, but he is truly an Evertonian in the best tradition. I feel privileged to have seen him play and proud to have met him." Leo, Barking, Essex (originally from Maghull).

mistercee says: "I'd like to disagree with Chris Jones' arl feller. Me and my arl fella always rated Colin as the greatest of the trinity, the most complete midfielder. He had it all: passing, tackling, intelligence. Ball might have had the white boots, but when we played footy at school there were more lads standing at the start of the game with their hands inside their long sleeve shirts - even in summer. Probably. Oh, aye. I had Colin Harvey's Latin book when I was in first year at school, too.

Laurence Hart says: "Colin was my favourite player, the abiding memory of that goal at Burnden, truly miss-hit, and his ability to shield the ball from all comers will live forever, surely no other blue has given so much to the team. Thank you Colin.

Lee Farrell says: "Colin Harvey is "Nil Satis Nisi Optimum" personified. May your retirement be long and happy my blue brother."

Peter Bottomley says: "My abiding memory of Colin was his passing ability, most of it along the deck, and always 'to feet'. Many of his passes were cross field, right to left, skimming the turf, to someone not mentioned often but who was a vital part of that 60's team, one Johnny Morrissey. Johnny was always available, an outlet, able to hold the ball, and recycle it. Football is a passing game, and I have never seen anyone in a blue shirt with Harvey's passing ability.......yet!"

John Warner says: "My next door neighbour, Gerry Daley a rabid blue suffered a heart attack and passed away. His family were all totally devastated. Colin Harvey and his lovely wife Maureen not only came to his funeral but his wife read a lesson in the church. Such is the measure of the great man. Remember the goal he scored in the semi-final against Man Utd at Burnden Park. I can also remember Harry Catterick selecting Colin for his debut against Inter Milan in the San Siro. Colin would walk into any all-time great Everton side."

Lee McMoyes says: "A legend who deserves nothing but praise. A great player, a true gentleman and a wonderful coach. He is another 'Mr Everton' if you like along with the likes of Southall, Watson, Labone or Kendall. Colin Harvey has been a great servant to our club and I would like to wish him and his family a very happy retirement."

AA says: "I read with interest the article by Micky Blue Eyes regarding Colin Harvey & agree with every word. I had the good fortune to live in the same street as Colin when we were nippers. I make no claim to be best mates - he is three years older than me and when he was 14 and me 11 - that's a lot of years as a kid. Colin, however, always let on and chatted about the Blues."

I recall after he had signed (schoolboy forms) for Everton, he was still out in the street kicking a tennis ball against the garden fence: a fence so constructed that the ball came back at random angles. The lad never failed to trap it.

I too was at Burnden Park for the Utd semi final. The coach dropped me off for the bus home, delirious at the days events, I was astounded when the Everton coach stopped, Colin got off and joined me at the stop waiting for the bus. A fan first, he was more pleased that the Blues were at Wembley - the fact he had put us there never entered his head. How times have changed, this unassuming lad was content to chat to fellow blues at a bus stop - brilliant.

Call Y'self an Evertonian? - in Colin Harvey's case 'Oh Yes'. A fabulous footballer. It was my joy and privilege to watch. His manner and attitude is still a model today and if the Dook grows up to be half the man as Colin we will all benefit.

Thanks a million Colin - me and many thousands of football fans are the richer for your time. Once a blue ....."

RHarrycharles says: "Ball Kendal and Harvey, you don't need to say much more. For football and movement they were the best that English football have ever seen. Like the Dutch National team. Colin was pure pass and movement, from the day he made his debut at Milan at nineteen to the day it ended with a bad knee he was mr consistent. As a coach, brilliant with the young and the pros. The job as manager a step to far He was a bit unlucky, but the nicest truest blue you will ever meet. God bless you Colin Harvey."

"Nine" says: "Up there with the all time greats...has any club, never mind Everton, had a more loyal and uncomplaining servant? I've been privileged to see him weave his magic and proud to have shaken hands with this great player, gentleman and, above all, Evertonian. Here's to a long and happy retirement for The White Pele."

Paul Smyth says: "I remember as a kid walking down Eaton road to the 2nd holy ground to see his comeback after a eye injury in the 'A'team. As we walked along, to me, it was like going to Goodison, the crowd seemed so big. The Press had not allowed in, so they were on ladders trying to get a photo from over the fence. It was chaos, but all the fans wanted was to see Colin playing again and how long would it be before we had our hero back in the first team. Thanks for the memory Colin."

Gordon West says: "Colin was no angel, & his sublime ball skills masked a very competitive streak which, even as an apprentice, got him into trouble every now and then. I recall that Colin's over-enthusiasm got him his marching orders for fighting on two occasions."

Steve Green, London, Ontario, Canada. says: "I had the pleasure of visiting relatives in Liverpool in October of 1990. Everton were kind enough to let a holidaying Canadian sports writer look in on a training session at Bellefield. I even got to speak a bit with Colin, who was just a few weeks away from being replaced as manager. We talked about what it was like to be on the hot seat in terms of European sports vs. North American sports. He was a classy gentleman throughout our chat and even managed to get one of the players to sign my young cousin's autograph book. I wish him all the health and happiness in the future."

John Hurst says: Colin loved to patrol the middle of the park with his biting tackles, so much so we called him 'Snarler'."

Chris Jones says: "I had the honour of watching the holy trinity at Goodison as a young boy of 9 in the 69-70 season, people rave today about the amazing passing of Beckham and Bergkamp but quite honestly Colin Harvey was the sweetest passer of a ball I have ever seen. The art was that Colin would always take the simple (and in most cases) clever option, he could deliver a 40 yard ball out of defence to drop motionless at the feet of Jimmy Husband but he could also read where a short 10 yard pass would open a defence to create a goal scoring opportunity."

I recall one occasion on an icy winter's afternoon at Goodison against Leicester, a young Peter Shilton punted the ball out from his 18 yard line, the ball travelled 60 yards, Colin watched it all the way and just as it dropped to the ground trapped the ball immaculately. He then looked up to see Alan Whittle sprinting to beat the offside trap and played a 40 yard through ball right on to Whittle's head to allow a looping header to beat Shilton at the far post, - poetry in motion.

God bless you Colin, you deserve a long and happy retirement ......"

Tommy Wright says: "We came through the club's junior teams together, from the C-team to the 1st team, & have remained the best of friends. Colin was my room-mate & I'm pleased to report that he never had any bad habits. He didn't even snore."

Wayey says: "I wish I had a story about Colin, truth is I only saw him play on t.v. or read about him. Despite that disappointment, when I played football in East Park in Hull in the early 70's you could guarantee it would be "Harvey on the ball". What he has done for football in England, not just Everton should be acknowledged with an honour. A true hero."

Wayne Rooney says: "Colin's been great from day one. He always encouraged me and showed plenty of confidence in me Everyone respects him, we all know what he's done as a player and a manager and he's someone I really look up to."

Sunny Runny says: This man is a true Everton legend, and I would like to echo the comments made about his testimonial. Everyone get their arses down there and show the man just how much he means to our club."

Ste says: "Everton through and through and would be in my all time Everton eleven every time. Me arl fella told me that although he didn't have the flair of Bally, he was just as effective and made the hard things look easy. He compared him and Bally to scholes and beckham at mancscum where beckham gets the glory and scholes is somewhat overlooked. Even though both were acknowledged as great players for the royal blue of Everton, Bally being the beckham and Harvey being the scholes. Wish him the best for the future and can only hope that the club keep him on as a scout as he knows better than most on talented youngsters that can make the grade for his and our love.... Everton F.C."

Graeme Sharp says: "I have great respect for Colin. He helped me at Everton, & also helped me in a coaching capacity at Oldham when I was manager there."

Paul Mac Kirkby says: "GREAT MAN. I HUGGED HIM ON THE PITCH AFTER THE 1989 F.A.CUP FINAL. GUESS WHAT HE DID? HE HUGGED ME BACK, EVEN THOUGH HE WAS GUTTED WE HAD LOST. WHAT A MAN."

Cumbrian Blue says: "well i'd just like to thank him for all that he's done for everton football club he's been a great star for us and lately with his commitment for the younger lads he will be greatly missed by all at the club and all the fans and i hope he enjoys his long over due retirement as he's one guy who deserves it once again thanks for some great times colin and all the best for the future."

Young Alex says: "Very sad. I thought the only way he'd leave Goodison would be feet first. Let's wish him a long and happy retirement. He's a legend and deserves it."

Lyons says: "Colin Harvey is Everton through and through. If anyblue deserves his testimonial it's our Colin. A fantastic player (the white pele), a brilliant coach to so many players who have come through the ranks, and also managed us for a while (2 top 6 places ). A top bloke and a top blue."

BullensMan says: " The word 'legend' is over used, but in Colin Harvey's case it is more than justified. I'm one of the old b@stards who saw him play in the great midfield with Kendall & Ball and that's probably how I will always best remember him. His track record as a coach is unsurpassed and he was unlucky in his time as a manager. You could argue that given time, trophies were on their way, but we never got to find out. Harvey was the fall guy for a crap and indecisive Board. It says everything about his love for the club that no matter how badly he may have been treated, he jumped at any chance to come back. The testimonial game deserves to be a sell out. Colin Harvey - we owe you more than we can say."
Colin Harvey (part of arguably our best ever midfield) gets a testimonial at the time of one our worst ever midfield's! Lets hope we can get some quality in before August to give him the send off he deserves."

Derek Mountfield says: "Colin Harvey worked so hard on me and the other young players. You ask any players of that era and they have always got a lot to say about Colin Harvey. As a coach, he helped me enormously and gave me an understanding of what I needed to work on. I never have been a complete player but Colin made me a better player and is one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with."

EpsomBlue says: "Colin Harvey (part of arguably our best ever midfield) gets a testimonial at the time of one our worst ever midfield! Lets hope we can get some quality in before August to give him the send off he deserves."

Gary_Naysmith says: "Well done colin! A legend up there with Dixie Dean!"

Have you a story or comments to make about Colin Harvey? E-mail Blue Kipper

For more comments see "Gwladys Street's Holy Trinity - Kendall, Harvey & Ball" by David France & Becky Tallentire.

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