Mitton, John (Jack)
Birth Date
7th November 1895
Birthplace
Todmorden, England
Occupation
Half-Back
Biographical Text
John Mitton, brother of James played in Exeter City’s first ever game in the Football League in August 1920, when Brentford were the visitors to St James’ Park.
He began his career with Lancashire junior side, Brierfield, then moving on to Burnley in 1914. He resumed his career after the First World War with Bury in 1918-19.
Signing for Exeter City in the summer of 1919, the Grecians were at that time playing in the Southern League.
His first game for the club was in a 1-1 draw at Southampton in August 1919.
Whilst at Exeter, Mitton joined Somerset County Cricket Club, for whom he made two first-class appearances in the summer of 1920, against Cambridge University and Oxford University. In the two matches, he scored a total of 15 runs and took one wicket.
Mitton remained at Exeter until leaving for Sunderland in 1920,
In the match report on Wednesday October 20th there was a piece marked
"John Mitton: An Appreciation.
John Mitton, Exeter City's brilliant left half back, was transferred to Sunderland at the conclusion of the Southend match. He was one of the Exeter club's ever-presents last season, and his magnificent displays in the red and white stripes attracted a great deal of attention.
It is an open secret that the Grecians received several 4-figure offers for his transfer in the course of the winter, and not many Exonians then expected to see him in the ranks of the club again this season. He was induced to remain, however, until now, when having acquainted with the facts, he expressed his desire for change.
The amount of the transfer fee has not been disclosed, but that it is very high one goes without saying, and the general opinion is that £2000 has changed hands. Mitton is every inch a footballer, and tip-top men are not to be had for the asking, in present day football.
Mr S. H. Thomas, the Exeter City secretary, has stated that the player was informed of the overtures made in regard to him during last season, as they occurred, and the decision had been left entirely with him, as the club felt they should not stand in the way of any player who wished to better himself. Representatives of the Sunderland came down to Exeter yesterday, watched Mitton's play in the match against Southend, and in the evening made a club a definite offer for his transfer. It was a considerable amount, and Mitton, on being informed of what had occurred, expressed his wish to throw in his lot with the First Division club.
The directors, therefore, decided to accept the offer for the transfer was completed.
Mitton, who is 24 years of age, is a native of Cornholme, near Todmorden, Lancashire. He stands 5ft 11 ins, in his socks and weighs 12 stone. Prior to being signed on for Exeter by Mr Chadwick he assisted Padiham, Burnley and Bury. Known to his friends and admirers as Snowball on account of the colours of his "thatch" he will be much missed, but all followers of Exeter City will wish this popular and highly esteemed player the very best of luck in his new exalted sphere"
He made 80 league outings, scoring 7 goals for Sunderland.
However, he enjoyed his best spell with his next club, Wolverhampton Wanderers whom he signed for in 1924, adding a further 100 league games to his credit and scoring six goals.
His last Football League club was ironically the same one he had made his Exeter City debut against, Southampton.
He joined them for the 1927-28 season, but was to only feature in 8 league matches.
John Mitton died on the 5th August 1983.
He began his career with Lancashire junior side, Brierfield, then moving on to Burnley in 1914. He resumed his career after the First World War with Bury in 1918-19.
Signing for Exeter City in the summer of 1919, the Grecians were at that time playing in the Southern League.
His first game for the club was in a 1-1 draw at Southampton in August 1919.
Whilst at Exeter, Mitton joined Somerset County Cricket Club, for whom he made two first-class appearances in the summer of 1920, against Cambridge University and Oxford University. In the two matches, he scored a total of 15 runs and took one wicket.
Mitton remained at Exeter until leaving for Sunderland in 1920,
In the match report on Wednesday October 20th there was a piece marked
"John Mitton: An Appreciation.
John Mitton, Exeter City's brilliant left half back, was transferred to Sunderland at the conclusion of the Southend match. He was one of the Exeter club's ever-presents last season, and his magnificent displays in the red and white stripes attracted a great deal of attention.
It is an open secret that the Grecians received several 4-figure offers for his transfer in the course of the winter, and not many Exonians then expected to see him in the ranks of the club again this season. He was induced to remain, however, until now, when having acquainted with the facts, he expressed his desire for change.
The amount of the transfer fee has not been disclosed, but that it is very high one goes without saying, and the general opinion is that £2000 has changed hands. Mitton is every inch a footballer, and tip-top men are not to be had for the asking, in present day football.
Mr S. H. Thomas, the Exeter City secretary, has stated that the player was informed of the overtures made in regard to him during last season, as they occurred, and the decision had been left entirely with him, as the club felt they should not stand in the way of any player who wished to better himself. Representatives of the Sunderland came down to Exeter yesterday, watched Mitton's play in the match against Southend, and in the evening made a club a definite offer for his transfer. It was a considerable amount, and Mitton, on being informed of what had occurred, expressed his wish to throw in his lot with the First Division club.
The directors, therefore, decided to accept the offer for the transfer was completed.
Mitton, who is 24 years of age, is a native of Cornholme, near Todmorden, Lancashire. He stands 5ft 11 ins, in his socks and weighs 12 stone. Prior to being signed on for Exeter by Mr Chadwick he assisted Padiham, Burnley and Bury. Known to his friends and admirers as Snowball on account of the colours of his "thatch" he will be much missed, but all followers of Exeter City will wish this popular and highly esteemed player the very best of luck in his new exalted sphere"
He made 80 league outings, scoring 7 goals for Sunderland.
However, he enjoyed his best spell with his next club, Wolverhampton Wanderers whom he signed for in 1924, adding a further 100 league games to his credit and scoring six goals.
His last Football League club was ironically the same one he had made his Exeter City debut against, Southampton.
He joined them for the 1927-28 season, but was to only feature in 8 league matches.
John Mitton died on the 5th August 1983.
Appearances
11
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