Mitchell Cole, a left-winger, was at Norwich's Centre of Excellence at Potters Bar led by Graham Scales. When the centre was closed, Mitchell joined West Ham but injury problems limited his ability to play professional football. He then joined Grays Athletic where he was selected for the England semi-professional side. According to the Non League Paper of May 22nd, Arsenal and other league clubs would be watching him at the FA Trophy final between Grays Athletic and Hucknall Town.

Mitchell returned to league football in mid-July 2005 joining neighbours Southend United who paid the Conference new boys a club record fee. He will attempt to emulate Freddie Eastwood who also went from West Ham to Grays to Southend.

Having made just two substitute appearances in the first seven games of the 2006/7 season, Mitchell joined Northampton on loan on 13th September 2006. "We didn't want him to go, but Mitchell feels he needs games at this moment, which we can't guarantee. He's going for a month, we will monitor the situation and hopefully he can come back ready to push for the first team again." said Southend manager Steve Tilson. This was extended for a second month after Mitchell played in 4 games for the Cobblers, scoring the winner against Millwall.

Mitchell returned from Northampton and promptly scored for Southend's reserves against Norwich's second string on 13th November 2006.

After making 37 appearances for the Shrimpers, Mitchell was signed by Stevenage in late January 2007 for a five figure fee. Stevenage Manager Mark Stimsonl links up with Cole again after originally signing him while at Grays Athletic in July, 2004.

After helping Stevenage to the Conference title in 2010, Mitchell joined Oxford who had also been promoted into the Football League. He signed a two year contract.

On 8th February 2011, Mitchell announced his retirement at the age of 25, due to a heart condition. He been advised by a leading cardiologist to stop playing competitive football to avoid the risk of a serious heart episode. He had made just five appearances for Oxford.