David Harvey - Fans memories of a dependable Leeds United goalkeeper

He proved to be a sure and steady last line of defence for Leeds United.
Goalkeeper David Harvey in action for Leeds United.Goalkeeper David Harvey in action for Leeds United.
Goalkeeper David Harvey in action for Leeds United.

David Harvey made more than 400 appearances for the Whites in two spells with his hometown club.

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Having joined United at the age of 17, former Foxwood and Seacroft Grange Schools pupil Harvey may have had to bide his time to become the established first pick after being understudy to Gary Sprake for several seasons

David Harvey in action during his return to Leeds United in the mid-1980s. PIC: Varley Picture AgencyDavid Harvey in action during his return to Leeds United in the mid-1980s. PIC: Varley Picture Agency
David Harvey in action during his return to Leeds United in the mid-1980s. PIC: Varley Picture Agency
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But patience proved a virtue as he became the club's first choice goalkeeper in the 1971/72 season, a campaign which culminated in silverware as Leeds won the Centenary Cup Final against Arsenal.

And two years later he helped Leeds win the First Division title which included a record breaking 29 match unbeaten league run.

After leaving to play for Vancouver Whitecaps in 1980 he returned to Elland Road in the mid-1980s and went on to play another 70 league games under three of his old teammates - Allan Clarke, Eddie Gray and Billy Bremner.

Your YEP asked the Elland Road faithful to share memories of a goalkeeper who was also capped 16 times by Scotland.

Here are some of their responses:

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Peter Collins - "I remember the build up to the FA Cup final ‎in 1972 was a lot about whether Sprake or Harvey would play. Don went with Harvey, and he made a couple of fine saves and kept a clean sheet. He then became the established number one, including in the memorable title-winning 73-74 season. Harvey was a top international goalkeeper."

Tony Harte - "David Harvey got on with it. He was nobody's fool, and when the call came from Mr Revie, he was ready. He was consistent and reliable; never appearing to be under undue pressure. Exactly what was needed."

Mark Mollison - "I saw him have some belting games for Leeds. Looking back I think he was a very underrated player never got the credit he deserved."

Richard Seddon - "My favourite Leeds keeper.... class! Was keeper when I started watching in the late 70's, I went to his testimonial as he was off to Vancouver, but then he came back."

Bernard Mckenna - "Absolutely a gem. Inspirational man."

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David Besser - "He was in my year group at Foxwood school. My claim to fame was that I played the first nine games of the season with him for the school. Then I was cruelly dropped and he went on to be famous."

Guy Bradley - "1978. He played a blinder in the 1-0 defeat of Notts Forest, who won the league that year."

Richard Petty (@Rpelufc) - "When Leeds were playing away I used to watch the reserves. One afternoon I was sitting on the wall of the Scratching shed and David Harvey was in goal at that end. He took a goal kick turned round, smiled, sauntered over and gave me a piece of his chewing gum. So happy."

RobYork (@GrumpyGit9) - "Favourite keeper ever."

White Fox (@White_fox12) - "I recall him being a good dependable keeper which was a welcome change from the anxiety many #lufc fans felt with his predecessor."

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Gareth Senior (@SeniorGareth) - "As an 11 year-old budding keeper, I went to the DH goalkeeping school on Fullerton Park. I remember him as a tough master but calling me ‘brave’ which has lived with me for 40 years. One of my favourite players and not one I’d want to argue with!"

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