Phil Pellow – Evertonian – Opinions on Football and Occasionally Other Stuff

Signed as an apprentice in 1962, Colin Harvey was described by the intrepid Gordon Watson [an Everton stalwart from 1936 to 1949 as a player, and thereafter as coach until 1968] as Everton’s finest post-war player. Watson was not alone.

Harvey’s senior playing career started in September 1963. He travelled to Milan in the Everton party on their way to a preliminary European Cup tie second leg against Internazionale Milan. The first leg at Goodison Park had ended 1-1, and many judges at the time felt that the winners of this early tie might eventually win the trophy. What Harvey didn’t know was that he was to deputise for Jimmy Gabriel in the match – he wasn’t told until the afternoon of the match: what a debut!

A year later, Harvey was a regular pick for the first team. His ability to beat an opponent was developing fast: possessed with quick feet, and the speed of thought of a top class player, he ‘saw the pitch’ and was capable of driving the team forward using inbred passing ability.

Others were to come.

In 1967, Howard Kendall was lured from Preston North End, a year after World Cup winner Alan Ball arrived from Blackpool. So, the Club’s iconic midfield trio was finally formed.

Kendall went on to great things as player and manager; Ball won titles at Everton and Arsenal and then enjoyed many years in management.

And yet, and yet….for me Colin Harvey was a better player than both of them.

What a wonderful player he was. I’ve watched Everton since 1954 – the last game in the second division – and I can’t remember another player who played so well so often. Even my own personal favourite, Alex Young, had the odd poor game. What am I saying? Young had LOTS of poor games!

Harvey was always, always just good or great.

Both Don Revie and Joe Mercer thought he was the best of the three.

Later, when Kendall decamped seeking managerial glory in Europe, Colin Harvey took over as manager. We were ok, but won nothing on his managerial watch. Not allowed to play in Europe, Everton lost players and power like many English Clubs.

He is the only member of that immortal midfield trio still alive. As is my memory of his wonderful career as a player.

What a player.

What a man.

Colin Harvey, take a bow.

Phil Pellow

It saddens me to see the legend ‘Kopites are Gobshites’ occasionally used around the internet, and in the stadium on banners.

Virtually all Evertonians either have family or friends or neighbours who support Liverpool – any suggestion that they are ALL ‘Gobshites’ is neither funny nor adult. It is simply childish and totally false.

It’s only a game we are talking about here. And while I am passionate about my beloved Everton, after over 70 years of following them, I do not hate anyone because of the football team they support. Indeed, I have a son-in-law, the father of two lovely grandchildren of mine, who follows the reds [his wife, however, is a true and devoted Blue!], and he is a great guy and a terrific father and husband.

Are you suggesting that members of your family, or some of your friends or neighbours can be described this way? That is ridiculous, and you know it. Using this phrase does no good whatsoever to the name of Everton Football Club, so let’s just knock it off.

OK? Thanks.