Workington Reds have signed the Blyth Spartans goalkeeper Alex Mitchell within two days of losing number one Jim Atkinson.
The former Annan Athletic custodian, who started his career in Carlisle’s youth academy, has had two previous spells with the Reds.
He actually played in the NPL Premier Division play-off final at Salford at the end of the 2019-20 season. He had also played in the 2015/16 campaign.
In total he has already played 42 times for the Reds – and nearly half of them (19) were clean sheets.
The 33-year-old has played for Gretna, Queen of the South and 160 times for Annan where he was voted into their Team of the Decade.
Reds manager Mark Fell said: “’m delighted to have Alex on board. With him and Danny Eccles we have two outstanding keepers at the club to push each other and make sure they’re both in the best of form.
“Alex has great experience in the League above (National North) and he’s an all-round excellent keeper.
“Just as important is the character we are getting. He’s professional in his approach, great to have him around the club and one who will drive high standards.”
Mitchell said: “The whole thing came out of the blue really and once I spoke to the gaffer I was sold and we managed to move quickly to get the deal done.
“I normally set myself a target of 10 League clean sheets a season which result in us having a good chance of making the play-offs.”
Billy Redden, the Reds goalkeeper coach added: “He’s a really experienced, accomplished keeper whose coming off the back of a great season with Blyth.
“He’s been here before and knows the club. Everyone I’ve spoken to whose worked with Alex couldn’t speak highly enough of him, both as a man and how he goes about his business.
“I’m really excited to work with him and we’ve got a really strong goalkeeping department to take into the new season.”
