STRIKER Jonah Mitchell has scored at Hyde United where he has agreed a deal to remain for the rest of the 2021-22 season.
The 22-year-old committed Christian, who is studying for a degree in theology at the University of Chester, has made an impact since joining the Tigers in the summer on non-contract forms from Northern Ireland Football League Championship side Queens University FC.
And that is why former manager Jim Gannon was keen for Mitchell, who comes from Belfast, to sign a contract.
Mitchell came to England to study and pursue his dream of playing football at a high level. And he believes it will enhance his prospects of playing at the highest level possible.
It has been an interesting journey to The Project Solar Stadium for Mitchell whose father Philip was a former professional footballer who had a one-year spell at Ipswich Town where he made two first-team appearances as a substitute.
The midfielder achieved considerable success in Northern Ireland with Ards, Dunmurry Rec, Linfield, Portadown, Distillery, Glentoran and Glenavon.
“Dad had more clubs than Rory McIlroy,” joked Mitchell who added his father, also a committed Christian and chaplaincy support director for Northern Ireland Sport was a major influence in his life.
Mitchell began his career in the youth team at Linfield before switching to Ards where manager Colin Nixon threw him into the first team aged 18.
He later switched to Queen’s University helping them cause an Irish Cup upset as they knocked out top-flight Linfield.
Mitchell began studying at Belfast Bible College before coming to the mainland to continue hthem in Chester and to pursue his footballing dreams.
He said: “I have always had a desire to be a professional footballer and to be play in a top league.
“And while I was still at college and university it was a chance to have a crack at football.
“England is the best place in the world to play football and a better shop window here than in Northern Ireland.”
Mitchell found himself in Tameside through a couple of connections in Northern Ireland.
He was at Curzon Ashton on trial pre-season and played against Hyde who won 2-0.
“When I was not offered a contract by Curzon, Dave McGurk, Hyde manager at the time, came in for me,” he explained.
It has been an eventful debut campaign for Mitchell who has had three managers, McGurk, Gannon and now Nicky Spooner.
As for his versatility in the forward positions, Mitchell said: “I have always played No 10 just behind the main front man, but Jim Gannon saw me as a striker.”“I am enjoying my football and playing well so signing the contract was the right thing to do.”
It is a busy life for Salford-based Mitchell who, apart from football and studying, works part time in a coffee shop.
Mitchell, a lifelong Manchester United fan, is a committed Christian like his father.
As for his future, he is unsure what path his life will take, explaining: “As I am taking a degree in theology, everyone assumes it will be a church related role.
“I have followed Jesus all my life and the reason I play football is for God. Whatever I do after completing my studies in 2023, it will stand me in good stead for life.”