Mon 11 Jan
Time to read: 4mins
It’s fair to say 9th January 2016 will go down as one of the most special days in the life of Jonathan Mitchell.
The 21-year-old goalkeeper, Hartlepool born-and-bred, made his professional debut in his hometown as Derby County recorded a 2-1 Emirates FA Cup Third Round victory at Hartlepool United on Saturday.
Mitchell had stood on the terraces at Victoria Park as a youngster watching Hartlepool, so it was somewhat fitting that Head Coach Paul Clement rewarded Mitchell for his progress with his first-ever career appearance against Ronnie Moore’s side.
Signed by the club in the summer of 2014 after leaving Newcastle United, Mitchell has acted as Derby’s third choice goalkeeper this season and has received public praise from goalkeeping coach Pascal Zuberbuhler.
Doing the rounds with the local and national media after the game on Saturday, Mitchell was bursting with pride that he was able to help Derby achieve a victory on his professional bow.
He told Rams Player HD: “It was a nice day personally and it was a fairytale as well to make it at Hartlepool United.
“I’m a Hartlepool boy and a Hartlepool fan so it was very special. The boss and Zuby have shown faith in me and that feels great.
“The most important thing was the team and winning the game - our quality shone through with the two goals that we scored.”
He added: “I didn’t have that much to do in the game itself - which I guess in some ways was nice!
“I was behind an experienced back four and it was another learning process for me.
“We made a number of changes for the game but to have the talent we had out there was fantastic.
“All of my defenders were great, talking to me and Jake Buxton had a few words with me before the game.”
Mitchell was informed by Clement just over 24 hours before the game that he would be named in the starting line-up.
With friends and family attending the match, Mitchell was keen to keep the news to himself.
Despite admitting to a few pre-match nerves, his overriding emotion ahead of kick-off was one of excitement.
He said: “I found out before training on Friday that I was in the team and that was a great feeling.
“I made sure from that point I was focussed on playing and nothing else; training well and getting a good sleep on Friday.
“I had family and friends in the crowd and I actually told my mum and dad I was on the bench because I didn’t want them worrying too much.
“There were a few nerves but I was excited than anything; I wanted to play and that’s what you want to do as a professional.”
Mitchell is keen to keep learning and added: “I’ve played one game so I still have a long way to go but I need to be a sponge and learn from everyone.
“I want to make a good career for myself so I’ll keep doing my best to improve.”
Mitchell feels he has been able to learn off what he describes as ‘two of the finest goalkeepers in the Championship’ in Scott Carson and Lee Grant.
He is also happy with the progress he has made following Zuberbuhler’s arrival in June of last year on the coaching staff.
Mitchell, as well as playing for Derby’s Under 21 side, has been part of the first-team squad all season, travelling to games and warming up with the team ahead of kick-off.
He said: “I came in under Eric Steele, who gave me the confidence to train well, play and believe I had a future.
“Then, this year, under the boss and Pascal, I feel I have improved more and more.
“I’ve been able to learn off two of the Championships finest goalkeepers in Scott Carson and Lee Grant and Kelle Roos has been great as well.
“Zuby has given me a lot of confidence and we’ve worked on a few things.
“I’ve been involved with the first-team all season, travelling to the games and being in the squad and that has been beneficial.
“It has all been important for me, to be used to being on the pitch in front of a crowd and just being part of the squad has been fantastic.”
