Harvey was born in Liverpool and joined Everton as an apprentice in 1960. Harvey was often described as an elegant and skilful player and was nicknamed the “White Pelé” by Everton fans. “A beautiful footballer this boy” commented Kenneth Wolstenhome during the 1968 FA Cup Final, 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 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.

He played in the FA Cup winning team of 1966, scoring the winning goal in the semi-final against Manchester United. Harvey also played in the 1968 team that also reached the FA Cup final who lost the game against underdogs West Bromwich Albion. Harvey was also a key member of the 1970 League Championship winning side and helped them win the 1970 FA Charity Shield. While at Everton he made 384 appearances (4 as substitute) and scored 24 goals.

In 1974 he left Everton to join Sheffield Wednesday, where he finished his playing career shortly afterwards.

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 following the departure of Joe Royle to Everton. Sharp left Oldham in March 1997, and Harvey followed him out of the Boundary Park exit door, but was soon back in the game as Burnley assistant manager to Adrian Heath, however after just a matter of months he was appointed Everton’s youth coach when Howard Kendall became manager for a third time. Evertonians have nominated Colin Harvey for an MBE for over forty years worth of service to Everton F.C.

In 2008 Harvey began working for Bolton Wanderers, during Gary Megson’s tenure at the club. In July 2012 it was announced that Harvey had left his chief scouting role at the Reebok Stadium after just over four years at the club.