Across The Park Extra Episode 9 is a must listen for not only all Evertonian's, but football fans in general. The team was honoured to be invited in to the home of 1 / 3 of the holy trinity and Football legend; Mr Colin Harvey, along with his daughter Mel, who was gracious enough to invite us down on this special day. Harvey goes in depth on his rise to the first team, including how a tennis ball helped him hone his skills growing up, his memories of bunking into Goodison with his Dad as a kid, the famous debut at the San Siro and the magic of the school of science team of the late 60’s. Harvey reveals all the stories from this era, from Harry Catterick facing outrage from the away fans after dropping Alex Young for Joe Royle at Blackpool, heartbreak at being part of the 1967 FA cup losing side, to how the Holy Trinity came to be; with the legendary trio of Kendall, Harvey & Ball. As honest and modest as ever, Harvey describes the highs and lows of his playing career including his breakthrough and how he knew his and Kendall’s Everton playing days were over after Billy Bingham took over from Harry Catterick. Harvey's illustrious and successful coaching and managerial career is covered in depth; from being asked by a returning Kendall as manager to assist in developing the evolving 70’s side into the dominant 80’s side that every Evertonian remembers so fondly. The 80’s review reveals some fascinating insights, including how close he and Howard were to leaving before that famous Oxford game in 1984, the half time team talk at the Bayern Munich game in 1985, memories of letting Andy Gray go to bring in Gary Lineker and the interesting summers of 86 and 87 when he was asked twice to take over from the departing Howard Kendall. Harvey’s behind the scenes tales capture every emotion; including the hilarious description of how he found out about a fight in a Chinese restaurant between two first teamers and his somber recollection of how the Hillsborough disaster affected the city and him personally. Harvey describes how he departed as Everton manager, only to return as first team coach days later before talking us through his eventual final role at the club as youth team manager when he was a part of unearthing a certain Wayne Rooney.

Mel Harvey is influential in giving us in the inside track on how proud, yet challenging it was to grow up as an Everton legend’s daughter. From the joys of watching her Dad coach the 80’s team to success, to the hardship of watching him leave the club they all loved. Mel has tales from the Harvey home that had the lads beaming, including Harvey’s location when he got the call to be Everton manager! Here it all in this enthralling trip down memory lane with a true footballing great!