Exeter City legend Arnold Mitchell dies aged 84

Arnold Mitchell, Exeter City’s record appearance holder, has died at the age of 84.

Mitchell, who captained the Grecians’ to promotion in 1963-64, died peacefully in his sleep over the weekend.

“Everyone at the football club was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Arnie Mitchell,” Exeter's vice-chairman Julian Tagg said. “Arnie is, of course, our record appearance holder and a player that represented our club in every position, including in goal.

“It is an awfully sad day for an awful lot of supporters of Exeter City who will remember him well for his ability and he will be remembered affectionately as being a lovely and gentile man. He has left people with some fantastic memories and our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends.

“The Club will meet with Arnie’s family in the next few days to see how we might be able to help and support at this difficult time."

After signing from Notts County, Mitchell made his debut for the club in 1952 and served for 14 years. His 516 appearances remain a club record and in that time, he scored 46 goals for the club and had the distinction of playing in every position for the Grecians.

After retirement, Mitchell continued to live in Exeter and became a very accomplished golfer. He joined Dawlish Warren Golf Club along with other members of the Exeter team of that time in January 1957 and remained a member until his dying day.

Mitchell would regularly post rounds lower than his age – he won a stableford competition in August 2000 by posting a gross score of 68 at the age of 70 – and in 2013, at the Warren's annual meeting, he was awarded life membership by the club in recognition of his long service, and his many achievements.

His proudest golfing moment came in 1980 after winning through seven regional rounds in the national Daily Mail Foursomes along with his son David, he got to the finals at Hoylake (Royal Liverpool) before being knocked out in the last eight, from an original entry of more than 90,000 players.

Rotherham-born Mitchell’s football career started at Sheffield Wednesday and he went on to Derby County and Nottingham Forest before joining the Magpies in 1951. However, it was only after he joined the Grecians that his career really took off.

He made 38 appearances in his first season at St James’ Park and in 1954, he spent 11 minutes playing in goal in a goalless draw at Southend United after regular ‘keeper Geoff Morton was injured.

Mitchell was noted for his drive and encouragement of teammates and recovered from a serious knee injury in his tenth season and captained the Exeter team that won promotion for the first time in the club's history in 1964, when he netted three goals in 38 league starts.

Despite his sterling service to the club, Mitchell was never given a testimonial by the Grecians, although he was granted freedom of the City of Exeter later.

He ended his wonderful City career in 1966 and played a few games with Taunton Town before a broken fibula forced him to call it a day.