Former Carlisle United goalkeeper Alex Mitchell has become Blyth Spartans’ sixteenth signing of the summer.
Mitchell, 30, arrives at Croft Park having made over 160 appearances for Scottish League Two side Annan Athletic.
He started his career at Carlisle as a scholar and was a member of the squad that famously beat Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup in 2007/08.
After leaving Brunton Park, Mitchell headed north of the border to Gretna and Queen of the South before going on to enjoy a long and successful spell with Annan.
Mitchell was voted into the Annan supporters’ team of the decade last year.
While travelling back and forth between Cumbria and Scotland, Mitchell also has played for Workington Reds.
Indeed, Mitchell was the man in between the sticks against Spartans when the visitors ran out 4-3 winners during the Northern League Premier League play-off semi-final in April 2016.
Some supporters may remember the spectacular save he pulled off to keep out Nathan Buddle’s header in the final minutes of that game.
On signing for Spartans, a delighted Mitchell said: “Once I had the opportunity to join Blyth, I jumped at it with both hands.
“I always remember when I was at Workington and we played at Croft Park in the play-off semi-final.
“It’s a great place to play football and I can’t wait to get underway and show people what I’m all about.”
Mitchell’s arrival fills a key position for Blyth boss Michael Nelson, who, despite a manic few months of signings, had yet to recruit a goalkeeper.
Nelson said: “Alex is someone we identified and also had recommended by two separate goalkeeping coaches that we trust.
“He comes with a wealth of experience in the game and a good number of games under his belt. He is extremely agile and an excellent communicator with the players in front of him.
“We are delighted to have him on board and look forward to working with him during the course of the season.”