Keith Harvey – City’s rock in defence

As the Grecians moved into February 1964 two defeats in a row got the nerves going. Tony Court writing in the Express and Echo said ‘the pressure is really on. One small series of slips and Exeter City could plunge from their place in the top 4’.

Thankfully the blip was temporary and part of the reason was the solidity and consistency of the defence with local boy Keith Harvey (pictured) always at the heart of the action.

Truly ‘one of our own’ Harvey had been born in Crediton on Christmas Day 1934. He signed as a professional in August 1952 and made his League debut in a goalless game away at Bristol Rovers, today’s opponents.

This was the start of a remarkable one club career in which Keith notched up 483 league appearances for City; second only to Arnold Mitchell on 495. Indeed when Cup appearances are added in Harvey shades Mitchell by 517 to 516.

Importantly for our promotion season Harvey never missed a game. Something he only held in common with fellow defender Des Anderson. Reflecting in Mike Blackstone’sbook ‘Grecians Going Up’, Graham Rees said “The defence virtually picked itself. Barnett, Smyth, MacDonald, Mitchell, Harvey, Anderson”.  Rees described Harvey as “a rock in the defence”.

The promotion success was a reward for Keith as he had suffered a broken leg in 1958 and a broken ankle in 1962. One can only imagine how many games he would have played without these setbacks.  

His determination was certainly recognised by fans. 90 year old Michael Hughes, now living on Beacon Heath, used to watch Keith from the Cowshed which was “full of smoke, whistling and shouting”.  He recalls “It was good to have local players in the team. Harvey was a typical centre half. He wouldn’t give an inch. If he thought he had a chance of winning the ball he would put a tackle in”.

As well as his defensive skills Harvey also weighed in with five promotion season League goals including three penalties. He scored 28 League goals in a career in which he continued playing until 1969. Keith picked up Player of the Year in 1965/6.

Later a postman in Crediton and working for the Post Office in Worthing, Harvey died in 2018. He did enjoy a triumphant return to St James Park in 2009 when a reunion was held for the promotion squad.  

Promotion Factfile

Exeter City staff were busy during February 1964 tying up a contract for programme advertising. It was announced that Allsports Publicity Co Ltd would be responsible for the advertising in the programme from the following season. Allsports would pay £500 per season to the Grecians. It was a three year contract with an option to extend for a further two years.