Mitchell, William

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Fullname: William Mitchell
aka: Billy Mitchell
Born: […]
Died: […]
Birthplace: […]
Signed: 22 July 1918
Left: 14 Aug 1919 (to Partick Thistle)
Position: Inside-left
Debut: Dumbarton 0-5 Celtic, League, 26 Oct 1918
Internationals: none

Biog

Signed from St Anthony’s in July 1918, Billy Mitchell made his debut for the Bhoys in a 5-0 league win at Dumbarton on October 26th after being recalled from a loan spell at Hamilton. For this game, Spanish Flu epidemic was causing havoc in the country and this game was even held up for half an hour and the sides were still putting together First XI’s to play. Celtic had just lost 3-0 at home to league title holders Rangers, and so changes were needed.

Described as a “particularly fine inside-forward” although Patsy Gallagher said he had a tendency to hold onto the ball a bit too long (not an uncommon fault in players even to the modern day).

He kept his place for a small run of games but soon found himself loaned out to Clydebank and then Dumbarton. Although a tidy player, a lack of pace was deemed to be Billy Mitchell’s failing.

In retrospect, he was a fill-in for Patsy Gallacher and Jimmy McMenemy in his brief time at Celtic. He did not play in any defeats in his time (four wins and a draw), so could look back proudly on his efforts at Celtic, especially as Celtic went on to win the league title that season, regaining it after losing it the previous season to Rangers. However, in retrospect the title win also ended a glorious era for Celtic.

In total, Billy Mitchell made five first team league appearances for Celtic before being transferred to Partick Thistle in August 1919. He shortly moved on later to Alloa in April 1920, but only after playing Celtic in a 0-0 draw with Partick Thistle where it was remarked that:

[Billy Mitchell was] the most methodical member of the Partick Thistle attack… very elusive“.

Playing Career

APPEARANCES LEAGUE SCOTTISH CUP LEAGUE CUP EUROPE TOTAL
1918-19 5 0 n/a n/a 5
Goals: 0 0 0

Honours with Celtic

Scottish League

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