Joe Harvey

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Harvey's time at Newcastle was marked by both triumph and controversy. As captain, he was suspended alongside Len Shackleton in 1946 after a dispute over bonuses and conditions, and both were forced to make a public apology. Despite this, his authoritative presence—forged as a sergeant-major—earned him the utmost respect from teammates. He led the team to promotion in 1947–48 and captained them to FA Cup wins in 1951 and 1952. After retiring, he coached Crook Town to an FA Amateur Cup victory in 1953–54 after a final (a 2–2 draw at Wembley) and a 1–0 replay at St James' Park, Newcastle, then managed Barrow and Workington before returning to Newcastle as manager in 1962. His greatest achievement was winning the Fairs Cup in 1968–69.

In Their Own Story

In the 1973–74 FA Cup run, Newcastle faced Nottingham Forest in the sixth round. Trailing 3–0 at home, fans invaded the pitch, causing a delay. When play restarted, Newcastle staged a comeback to win 4–3. The FA ordered a replay, and after a 0–0 draw, Newcastle won 1–0 thanks to a Malcolm Macdonald goal. Macdonald scored in every round, totalling eight goals, but Newcastle lost the final 3–0 to Liverpool. Harvey signed Burnley defender Geoff Nulty after being impressed by his performance in the semi-final.

Reader's Guide

Harvey's managerial era at Newcastle United is defined by his 1968–69 Fairs Cup victory, the club's last major trophy until 2025. He rebuilt the side through the youth system, bringing through Alan Kennedy and Irving Nattrass, and made shrewd signings like John Tudor for £888 from Sheffield United. His 1973–74 FA Cup run featured dramatic comebacks, including the pitch invasion against Nottingham Forest. Harvey's man management skills were praised, though he was described as tactically flawed. He resigned after the 1974–75 season but returned briefly in 1980 to steady the ship.

Did You Know?

• Harvey was suspended alongside Len Shackleton in 1946 after a dispute over bonuses and conditions, and both were forced to make a public apology.
• Harvey coached Crook Town to an FA Amateur Cup victory in 1953–54 after a final (a 2–2 draw at Wembley) and a 1–0 replay at St James' Park, Newcastle.
• He signed John Tudor from Sheffield United for £100,000, who became an outstanding strike partner for Malcolm Macdonald.
• Harvey briefly returned as Newcastle manager in August 1980, steering the club to two wins and a draw before Arthur Cox was appointed.

Playing Career and Military Service

Harvey began his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers in November 1936 but made no appearances. He moved to Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic, making 37 appearances in 1937–38, then signed for Bradford City in 1938. During World War II, he joined the Royal Artillery, becoming a sergeant-major in the Royal Army Physical Training Corps, and made guest appearances for Aberdeen and Dundee United. Newcastle United paid £4,500 for him on 20 October 1945. He quickly became captain after an impressive debut against Barnsley, transitioning from inside forward to wing-half. He led Newcastle to promotion in 1947–48 and captained them to FA Cup wins in 1951 and 1952. He retired on 1 May 1953 at age 34, his final game a 1–0 win over Aston Villa.

Captaincy Controversies and Leadership

In the 1946–47 season, Harvey and teammate Len Shackleton were suspended by the club's directors after going on strike against the quality of accommodation provided. Both were forced to make a public apology. Harvey was also believed to have been involved in the illegal selling of tickets for the 1952 FA Cup Final, though he was never charged. Despite this, he remained popular with supporters due to his attitude and displays on the pitch. His time as a sergeant-major made him an authoritative figure who commanded respect from teammates.

Early Coaching and Amateur Success

After retiring, Harvey attended coaching sessions set up by Walter Winterbottom and worked as a trainer for Newcastle for two years, watching from the sidelines as the club won the FA Cup for the third time in five years in 1954–55. In 1954, he took charge of Northern League club Crook Town, who had reached the FA Amateur Cup final against local rivals Bishop Auckland. After a 2–2 draw at Wembley before 100,000 fans and another 2–2 draw at St James' Park before 52,000, Crook won 1–0 at Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough, before 39,000. The club credited Harvey's intensive training sessions as the difference.

Managerial Triumphs and Legacy

Harvey managed struggling Barrow, keeping them in the league by goal average only in 1955–56 with just five players on appointment. He then managed Workington from 1956, gradually nearing promotion. He applied for the Newcastle job in 1958 but lost to Charlie Mitten, then succeeded in 1962. His greatest achievement was winning the Fairs Cup in 1968–69. He signed John Tudor for £888 from Sheffield United, who became an outstanding strike partner for Malcolm Macdonald. He brought through Alan Kennedy and Irving Nattrass from the youth system. In 1973–74, Newcastle reached the FA Cup final but lost 3–0 to Liverpool. Harvey resigned after the 1974–75 season under fan pressure. He briefly returned in August 1980, steering Newcastle to two wins and a draw before Arthur Cox was appointed. He has been described as a manager with a flaw tactically but with man management skills on a par with Alex Ferguson.

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