As a player, Harvey was tough and uncompromising - a real driving force on the field. His career was about to take off when war broke out in 1939. Aged 21, it would mean a six-year break in playing time.
Not to be discouraged, he joined United in 1946 and proved to be a terrific signing, at his best when the going got tough and when the battles on the field were at their most intense.
Helping United to promotion in 1948, the wing-half (or modern day up-and-down-the-park midfielder) skippered the Magpies to Wembley success in 1951 and 1952 before joining the coaching staff when his playing days came to an end in 1953.
Two-years later he was back at Wembley on the touchline as a member of the backroom team as United defeated Manchester City 3-1 to win the famous old trophy for the third time in five seasons.
As a manager, he rebuilt the club in the early 1960s after a period of decline and his teams always played football in a fine attacking and entertaining style.
His blunt but artful managerial style saw United promoted in 1965 and the winning of the Inter Cities Fairs Cup four years later was not only a masterful achievement but a skilful man-management exercise where he got the most out of every player in the squad.
A bronze plaque celebrating Joe Harvey's achievements can now be found at the Gallowgate End of St. James' Park.