'Always play with a smile on your face' - says Newtown star Mitchell

While one of the mainstays of the Newtown team and played in every position bar in goal in his eight years at Latham Park, it is also worth noting Mitchell remains popular at Caersws where he first emerged under Mike Evans in the early 2000s.

A skilful and hard-working player, Mitchell has been popular with fans wherever he has played.

The 32 year old looks back on his career and shares his highlights and offers advice to young players.

6/3/2018 - GOAL. Neil Mitchell of Newtown is mobbed by team mates after he scores to make it 1-0 during the JD Welsh Cup fixture between Llandudno and Newtown at Giant Hospitality Stadium, Maesdu Park, Llandudno...Pic: Mike Sheridan/County Times.MS033-201

Neil Mitchell celebrates with team-mates.

What is the biggest achievement in your Welsh football playing career?

Biggest achievement for me so far is playing in Europe and getting through to the next round.

To beat a European side in both legs to progress is something I will always be proud to have been part of.

What is the biggest disappointment in your Welsh football playing career?

My biggest disappointment is the Welsh Cup final. I feel on the day we never really gave a good account of ourselves which was disappointing at the time, but we used that disappointment to win the playoffs and gain European qualification.

Biggest inspiration in your career.

My parents were my biggest inspiration, especially my father.

He would at the drop of the hat take me anywhere that he thought potentially would develop me, no matter the financial involvement or the amount of time it took up for him to transport me.

He didn’t want me not to have the best chance to progress because of non footballing matters and I will always be thankful to him for that.

6/3/2018 - GOAL. Neil Mitchell of Newtown celebrates with Kieran Mills Evans after he scores to make it 1-0 during the JD Welsh Cup fixture between Llandudno and Newtown at Giant Hospitality Stadium, Maesdu Park, Llandudno...Pic: Mike Sheridan/County Time

Neil Mitchell.

Best ground you ever played at?

Without doubt has to be Parken, the home of Copenhagen. I constantly found myself just looking around whenever there was a stoppage.

A night that will never be matched in my football career.

Best team-mate?

Has to be Graham Evans. Coming through at 16 I learnt so much off watching and playing along side him while in the transition to senior football.

Some games defenders couldn’t get near him. He would always conduct himself well and put the team first.

Graham Evans in 2004.

Graham Evans in 2004.

Most difficult opponent?

I will stick with Welsh Premier here as the European games were a one off.

Cortez Belle I played against several times and never really it. The guy was a man mountain and a no nonsense defender.

When you saw him at centre back and you were a striker you knew you were in for a very physical battle especially if the game became an aerial battle.

Most memorable match?

Putting the European games aside I would say the playoff game.

Not only for the result but the celebrations that followed and the elation and excitement we had as a group was something again that cannot be re created and forgotten

Advice to a young player?

Always believe in yourself and your goals.

Don’t get to tied up on what people think or say as that can’t be controlled. Continue to enjoy what you have as a hobby, which will allow you to improve, even though there will be good and bad times throughout - and always play with a smile on your face.