John Mitten, son of Charlie Mitten a leading footballer of the late 1940s and early 1950s, joined Exeter City from Plymouth Argyle in 1968 and played exactly a hundred league matches in a three-year stay at St James’ Park. When featuring against Manchester United in the FA Cup for Exeter in 1969, he played against the club with whom his father had won an FA Cup medal in 1948. Also scoring 17 goals during his time with the Grecians, John left for Bath City in 1971. 

Son of Charlie Mitten - a post-war player with Manchester United who spent time playing in a 'rebel league' in Colombia - John was an England Schools and Youth international who gained his first professional contract with Mansfield Town in January 1958. He then moved to Newcastle United in September 1958 (3 goals in 9 league starts) before leaving for Coventry City in August 1963 ahead of a move to Plymouth Argyle in January 1967 where he added a further 43 league appearances and 8 goals. 

Signing for Exeter City in July 1968, John made his debut for the Grecians in the opening day of the season game at Peterborough United and made 35 league starts (plus two substitute appearances) during his first season at St James’ Park when he netted 7 league goals. 

1969/70 proved to be even-more productive for John as he played in 43 league games and scored 9 goals before he gradually faded from the scene during the following campaign having started 15 of the first 21 league games. 

Thereafter only making five league appearances, John was freed in the summer of 1971 and joined Bath City before later turning out for Trowbridge Town, Sidmouth Town and Tiverton Town.

John also played cricket for Leicestershire appearing in 14 first-class matches between 1958 and 1963.