Supermac backs statue for Harvey
A No.9 legend signed by Joe Harvey is backing the drive for a statue to be erected at St James’ Park to the man who won big-time trophies both as a Newcastle player and manager.
I revealed recently that the Fairs Club, a body of United fans who came together to honour the club’s one and only European trophy success, are pushing for Harvey to be honoured in the same way as Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer and Jackie Milburn.
Malcolm Macdonald was plucked from the relative obscurity of Luton Town to become one of the greatest centre-forwards in United’s history, a swashbuckling line leader who played in two Wembley cup finals and scored a record five goals in a single international during his England career.
Now Supermac is asking his old club to recognise Harvey’s standing in United’s pantheon of their greatest servants.
Macdonald has an undying love for Bobby Robson but queries how he can be officially recognised by Newcastle when Joe is not.
Cold facts, however harsh it may seem, tell us that Robson won nothing here while Harvey won the FA Cup twice as skipper and once as a coach, plus the European Fairs Cup as a manager among a string of lesser baubles including the Anglo-italian Cup.
“Bobby was my first manager at Fulham and switched me to centre-forward so he will always have a place in my heart, but Joe was the absolute figurehead at the height of my career,” Macdonald told me.
“He was literally a winner for this club and deserves to be honoured in the best possible way. There wasn’t much more he could have done as captain and then manager. He stands head and shoulders above virtually everybody in Newcastle’s history.
“I was invited a while back before the takeover to be at the unveiling of a plaque to Joe along with the likes of Bob Moncur and Vic Keeble.
“It was sponsored by the Fairs Club but I agree that Joe deserves the ultimate
honour.”