Harvey to leave Everton

Harvey has enjoyed a long association with Everton

Colin Harvey is to retire from the backroom staff at Everton on medical grounds.

The Under-19 Academy boss has undergone three hip-replacement operations but is still being troubled.

And the 58-year-old has decided to call time on his Blues career, which began as a player and saw him progress to coach and manager.

"I've had the hip trouble and it's been limiting what I've been able to do on the training ground," he told the club's website.

"All good things come to an end and with it being nearly 40 years since my debut and with my testimonial coming up, it's as nice a time to go as any.

Colin is someone I really look up to Wayne Rooney Everton striker

"It's my time as a player that I'll treasure more than anything else. To be an Everton supporter and go on to play almost 400 games for the first team means more to me than anything and that's what's given me the biggest satisfaction.

"To win the championship and the FA Cup as an Everton player was tremendous."

As part of his role in the Academy, Harvey has overseen the development of teenage striker Wayne Rooney, who had an explosive impact in his debut Premiership season in which he won his first England cap.

And Rooney had nothing but praise for the coach.

"Colin's been great from day one. He always encouraged me and showed plenty of confidence in me," he said.

"Everyone respects him, we all know what he's done as a player and a manager and he's someone I really look up to."

Harvey played 386 times for the Toffees, scoring 24 goals, before returning to the club as Howard Kendall's number two during the mid-1980s.

He progressed to manager where he recorded two top-six finishes and an FA Cup final during his three-year tenure.

Everton will play Parma at Goodison Park on 10 August in Harvey's testimonial match.

Have your say on the 606 message boards