Mitchell Cole
{{short description|English association football player}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Mitchell Cole
| image = Mitchell Cole York City v. Stevenage Borough 03-10-09.png
| image_size =
| caption = Cole playing for Stevenage in 2009
| fullname =
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1985|10|6|df=y}}
| birth_place = London, England
| death_date = {{death date and age|2012|11|30|1985|10|06|df=y}}{{cite news
| title = Family pay tribute to Islington footballer and Joe Cole's brother in law who died of heart attack
| url = http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/news/education/family-pay-tribute-to-islington-footballer-and-joe-cole-s-brother-in-law-who-died-of-heart-attack-1-1740325
| newspaper = Islington Gazette
| date = 12 December 2012
| access-date = 5 April 2013}}
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=11}}{{cite web
| title = Mitchell Cole
| url = https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=41137&season_id=138
| publisher = Soccerbase
| access-date = 14 August 2009}}
| position = Winger
| currentclub =
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = 2001–2003
| youthyears2 = 2003–2004
| youthclubs1 = Norwich City
| youthclubs2 = West Ham United
| years1 = 2004–2005
| years2 = 2005–2007
| years3 = 2006
| years4 = 2007–2010
| years5 = 2010–2011
| years6 = 2011
| years7 = 2011
| years8 = 2011–2012
| years9 = 2012
| clubs1 = Grays Athletic
| clubs2 = Southend United
| clubs3 = → Northampton Town (loan)
| clubs4 = Stevenage Borough
| clubs5 = Oxford United
| clubs6 = Stotfold
| clubs7 = Hitchin Town
| clubs8 = Biggleswade Town
| clubs9 = Arlesey Town
| caps1 = 35
| caps2 = 33
| caps3 = 8
| caps4 = 121
| caps5 = 4
| caps6 = 2
| caps7 = 11
| caps8 = 6
| caps9 = 10
| goals1 = 5
| goals2 = 1
| goals3 = 1
| goals4 = 20
| goals5 = 0
| goals6 = 0
| goals7 = 1
| goals8 = 1
| goals9 = 1
| totalcaps = 230
| totalgoals = 30
| nationalyears1 = 2005–2009
| nationalteam1 = England C
| nationalcaps1 = 14
| nationalgoals1 = 7
}}
Mitchell James Cole (6 October 1985 – 30 November 2012) was an English footballer who played as a winger. Cole was forced to retire from professional football in 2011 as a result of a deteriorating heart condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, that meant it was dangerous for him to continue playing competitive football.
Cole started his career in the academy at West Ham United. He was released in 2004 and joined Grays Athletic. During his first season with Grays, the club won the Conference South title, as well as the FA Trophy. He joined Southend United in 2005, spending a year-and-a-half at the club before signing for Stevenage Borough for an undisclosed fee in January 2007. He scored in the first ever competitive final at the new Wembley Stadium as Stevenage won the FA Trophy in May 2007; also winning the trophy again in May 2009. He helped Stevenage earn promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history during the 2009–10 campaign, finishing the season as Conference Premier champions.
In June 2010, Cole signed for League Two club Oxford United, playing six times before retiring from professional football in February 2011 due to a heart condition. Ahead of the 2011–12 season, Cole joined Stotfold and played twice for them. He then spent time playing at Southern Football League clubs Hitchin Town and Biggleswade Town, before joining Arlesey Town in January 2012.
Club career
=Early career=
Born in London, Cole started his football career at Norwich City's centre of excellence, based in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire.{{cite news
| title = Flown from the nest: Mitchell Cole
| url = http://www.ex-canaries.co.uk/players/cole.htm
| website = Flown from the Nest
| date = 22 May 2007
| access-date = 19 May 2009}} When the centre was closed, Cole joined West Ham United's academy. He was released by West Ham in 2004.{{cite news
| title = Keen Cole makes up for lost time
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/4397172.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 1 November 2005
| access-date = 19 May 2009}} Having struggled with injuries towards the end of his time at West Ham, Cole contemplated giving up playing football. He put on a stone in weight and did not play for a year.
It was suggested to him to train with Essex club Grays Athletic in the summer of 2004. He was subsequently offered a contract by Grays manager Mark Stimson.{{cite news
| title = Grays brighten up Essex landscape
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/g/grays_athletic/4394130.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 31 October 2005
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} He played regularly during the 2004–05 season and helped Grays achieve promotion from the Conference South to the Conference National, scoring five goals in 35 appearances.{{cite news
| title = Grays are promoted to Conference
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/4385073.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 26 March 2005
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} That season, Cole also started in the 2005 FA Trophy Final against Hucknall Town on 23 May 2005; a match in which Grays won on penalties.{{cite news
| first = Nicholas
| last = Harling
| title = Cooke's pain as Grays claim second prize
| url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2360029/Cookes-pain-as-Grays-claim-second-prize.html
| newspaper = The Daily Telegraph
| date = 23 May 2005
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} Cole's performances for Grays meant he was signed by League One club Southend United on 13 July 2005.{{cite news
| title = Winger Cole makes Southend move
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/4679561.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 13 July 2005
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} He joined Southend for an undisclosed fee. He made his Southend debut in the club's opening match of the 2005–06 season, starting in a 2–1 defeat against Port Vale at Roots Hall.{{cite news
| title = Southend 1–2 Port Vale
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/4730605.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 5 August 2005
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} He stated similarities between Southend manager Steve Tilson and previous manager Stimson meant he settled in quickly at Southend. He played 31 times for the club during the season.{{cite news
| title = Southend 2005/2006 player appearances
| url = http://www.soccerbase.com/squad_season.sd?teamid=2393
| website = Soccerbase
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} He scored his only Southend goal in a 3–1 win over rivals Colchester United,{{cite news
| title = Southend 3–1 Colchester
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/4168728.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 29 August 2005
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} and helped Southend achieve promotion to the Championship.{{cite news
| title = Essex boys are making their mark
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4762001.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 19 May 2006
| access-date = 14 August 2009}}
Having made two appearances for Southend in the opening month of the 2006–07 season, Cole felt he needed more game-time.{{cite news
| title = Cole leaves Southend for Cobblers
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/5341450.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 13 September 2006
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} Whilst Tilson did not want him to go, he agreed to loan out Cole to League One club Northampton Town for a month. Cole made his Northampton debut in a 3–1 defeat against Tranmere Rovers at Sixfields.{{cite news
| title = Northampton 1–3 Tranmere
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/5329922.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 19 September 2006
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} He scored his first goal for Northampton against Millwall in a 1–0 away victory on 24 September 2006.{{cite news
| title = Millwall 0–1 Northampton
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/5351668.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 24 September 2006
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} His loan agreement at Northampton was extended for a further month on 11 October 2006,{{cite news
| title = Northampton extend Cole loan deal
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/6040322.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 11 October 2006
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} and he went on to play nine times during his time with the club. He returned to Southend in November 2006, and made three more appearances for the club before his run was curtailed by injury.{{cite news
| title = Southend 0–1 Wolves
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/6183496.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 2 December 2006
| access-date = 14 August 2009}}
=Stevenage=
Cole subsequently joined Conference Premier club Stevenage Borough for a five-figure fee on 26 January 2007.{{cite news
| title = Southend winger set for Stevenage
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stevenage/6302865.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 26 January 2007
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} The move reunited him with manager Mark Stimson, who had previously managed him at Grays. He made his Stevenage debut as a substitute in a 1–1 draw at Stonebridge Road against Ebbsfleet United on 28 January 2007.{{cite news
| title = Ebbsfleet 1–1 Stevenage
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/6282067.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 28 January 2007
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} Cole went on to make 22 more appearances during the 2006–07 season, scoring three times;{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 2006/2007 player appearances
| url = http://www.soccerbase.com/squad_season.sd?teamid=2499
| website = Soccerbase
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} his first goal for the club coming in a 4–4 away draw against Forest Green Rovers on 9 April 2007.{{cite news
| title = Forest Green 4–4 Stevenage
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/6513659.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 9 April 2007
| access-date = 7 December 2012}} Cole scored Stevenage's first goal in a 3–2 victory in the FA Trophy final against Kidderminster Harriers at Wembley Stadium in front of 53,262 spectators, a game in which Stevenage came from two goals behind to become the first team to win a competitive final at the new stadium.{{cite news
| title = Borough bite back
| url = http://www.thefa.com/Competitions/FACompetitions/TheFATrophy/newsandfeatures/2009/trophy_matchreport
| publisher = The Football Association
| date = 12 May 2007
| access-date = 6 December 2012}} Cole's goal came just after half-time; collecting Steve Morison's flick-on before finishing calmly.{{cite news
| title = Kidderminster 2–3 Stevenage
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6649807.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 12 May 2007
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} At the start of the 2007–08 season, Cole suffered a knee injury in Stevenage's victory against Histon,{{cite news
| title = Stevenage winger sees specialist
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stevenage/6954716.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 20 August 2007
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} which meant he missed the next six weeks of the season. He scored two goals in 27 appearances during the season.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 2007/2008 player appearances
| url = http://www.soccerbase.com/squad_season.sd?teamid=2499
| website = Soccerbase
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} Cole scored 14 times during the 2008–09 season under manager Graham Westley, including the first competitive hat-trick of his career in a 4–2 victory away at Salisbury City.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 2008/2009 player appearances
| url = http://www.soccerbase.com/squad_season.sd?teamid=2499
| website = Soccerbase
| access-date = 14 August 2009}}{{cite news
| title = Salisbury City 2–4 Stevenage
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/7844372.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 24 January 2009
| access-date = 22 July 2009}} He signed a two-year contract extension at Stevenage on 22 April 2009.{{cite news
| title = Cole pledges future to Stevenage
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stevenage/8013200.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 22 April 2009
| access-date = 14 August 2009}}
During the 2009–10 season, Cole scored his first goal of the season in a 2–0 victory over Kidderminster Harriers on 5 December 2009.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage Borough 2–0 Kidderminster
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8377504.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 5 December 2009
| access-date = 5 December 2009}} He played two games at left-back as opposed to his usual left wing position in January 2010.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage Borough 2–0 Kettering Town
| url = http://www.ketteringtownfc.co.uk/story.php?story_id=385
| publisher = Kettering Town F.C.
| date = 23 January 2010
| access-date = 23 January 2010
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110724043934/http://www.ketteringtownfc.co.uk/story.php?story_id=385
| archive-date = 24 July 2011
| url-status = dead
}} He scored his second professional hat-trick for Stevenage the following month, in a 6–0 win away at Eastbourne Borough on 2 March 2010, coming on as a substitute in the 71st-minute and scoring his three goals in seven minutes.{{cite news
| title = Eastbourne 0–6 Stevenage Borough
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8511549.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 2 March 2010
| access-date = 2 March 2010}} Cole played 42 games during the season, scoring four goals, as Stevenage earned promotion to the Football League for the first time in the club's history.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 2009/2010 player appearances
| url = http://www.soccerbase.com/squad_season.sd?teamid=2499
| website = Soccerbase
| access-date = 26 August 2009}}{{cite news
| title = Kidderminster 0–2 Stevenage
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8618329.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 17 April 2010
| access-date = 17 April 2010}}{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 1–0 York
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8620969.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 24 April 2010
| access-date = 24 April 2010}} During his three and a half years with the club, Cole made 146 appearances in all competitions, scoring 23 times.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage Player: Mitchell Cole profile
| url = http://www.boroguide.co.uk/players/player.php?ID=657
| publisher = BoroGuide
| access-date = 13 July 2016}}
=Oxford United=
Cole joined newly promoted League Two club Oxford United on a two-year contract on 14 June 2010.{{cite news
| title = Cole joins the U's
| url = http://www.oufc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10342~2070348,00.html
| publisher = Oxford United F.C.
| date = 14 June 2010
| access-date = 14 June 2010}} He made his Oxford debut in the club's 2–1 home defeat against Bury on 14 August 2010, coming on as an 81st-minute substitute.{{cite news
| title = Oxford United 1–2 Bury
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/8897486.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 14 August 2010
| access-date = 7 February 2011}} Cole started his first game for Oxford ten days later, playing 45 minutes in the club's 1–0 League Cup defeat to former club West Ham United.{{cite news
| title = West Ham 1–0 Oxford United
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8936633.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 24 August 2010
| access-date = 7 February 2011}} Cole played six matches for Oxford in all competitions, with his last appearance coming in a 3–2 defeat to Macclesfield Town on 16 October 2010.{{cite news
| title = Macclesfield Town 3–2 Oxford United
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/9075196.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 6 October 2010
| access-date = 7 February 2011}}
=Retirement=
In February 2011, Cole's career as a professional football ended prematurely when he was forced to retire due to a serious heart condition. During his time at West Ham, at the age of 17, Cole discovered he had a heart condition, but continued to play as his condition gradually improved.{{cite news
| title = Football is all I've known – Ex-Oxford winger Cole
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/o/oxford_utd/9396642.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 14 February 2011
| access-date = 18 February 2011}} In November 2010, Cole began to suffer from shortness of breath during training and matches, and was subsequently advised by a leading cardiologist to stop playing competitive football to avoid the risk of a serious heart episode. On retiring, Cole said "It's like being hit by a ton of bricks because football is all I've ever known. I've managed to get eight years out of the professional game which I am extremely happy with".
=Return to semi-professional football=
Ahead of the 2011–12 season, Cole played in a number of pre-season friendlies for Stotfold of the Spartan South Midlands League. He played in the club's first competitive game of the season, a 2–0 home win over Oxhey Jets.{{cite news
| title = Stotfold 2 Oxhey Jets 0
| url = http://www.stotfoldfc.co.uk/results.php?id=&yr=&mr=mr130811&scr=0&pg=results.php#mrpa
| publisher = Stotfold F.C.
| date = 13 August 2011
| access-date = 16 August 2011}}{{cite news
| title = Stotfold vs Oxhey Jets 2011–12 Season Opener
| url = http://www.stotfoldfc.co.uk/gallery.php?targ=2011_08_13_oxjets&id=1
| publisher = Stotfold F.C.
| date = 13 August 2011
| access-date = 16 August 2011}} Two days later, on 15 August 2011, Cole joined Hitchin Town on non-contract terms, who play in the Southern League Premier Division.{{cite news
| title = Canaries swoop for Cole
| url = http://www.hitchintownfc.co.uk/articles/weekly_articles/20110816101503045512.shtml
| publisher = Hitchin Town F.C.
| date = 16 August 2011
| access-date = 16 August 2011
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111001071620/http://www.hitchintownfc.co.uk/articles/weekly_articles/20110816101503045512.shtml
| archive-date = 1 October 2011
| url-status = dead
}} He made his debut for the club on the same day, playing 65 minutes in Hitchin's 3–0 home victory against Hemel Hempstead Town.{{cite news
| title = Hitchin head to the summit of Southern Premier Division
| url = http://www.thecomet.net/sport/hitchin_head_to_the_summit_of_southern_premier_division_1_995412
| newspaper = The Comet
| date = 16 August 2011
| access-date = 16 August 2011}} As Cole signed for Hitchin on a non-contract basis, he played in Stotfold's 2–1 home win against St. Margaretsbury the following day.{{cite news
| title = Stotfold 2 St Margaretsbury 1
| url = http://www.stotfoldfc.co.uk/results.php?id=&yr=&mr=mr160811&scr=0&pg=results.php#mrpa
| publisher = Stotfold F.C.
| date = 18 August 2011
| access-date = 18 August 2011}} Cole scored his first goal for Hitchin in a 3–1 away victory over Bedford Town on 29 August 2011.{{cite news
| title = Bedford Town 1 Hitchin Town 3
| url = http://www.hitchintownfc.co.uk/reports/2011_12/BedfordTownAwayESP.shtml
| publisher = Hitchin Town F.C.
| date = 29 August 2011
| access-date = 21 November 2011
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031125/http://www.hitchintownfc.co.uk/reports/2011_12/BedfordTownAwayESP.shtml
| archive-date = 4 March 2016
| url-status = dead
}} He left Hitchin on 17 November 2011.{{cite news
| title = Cole leaves Top Field
| url = http://www.hitchintownfc.co.uk/articles/weekly_articles/20111117191161242721.shtml
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130420152315/http://www.hitchintownfc.co.uk/articles/weekly_articles/20111117191161242721.shtml
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 20 April 2013
| publisher = Hitchin Town F.C.
| date = 17 November 2011
| access-date = 21 November 2011
}} Cole made 14 appearances for the club, scoring once.{{cite news
| title = Hitchin Town – Match Reports 2011–12
| url = http://www.hitchintownfc.co.uk/Archives/Match_Reports_201112.shtml
| publisher = Hitchin Town F.C.
| access-date = 16 August 2011
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110718020306/http://www.hitchintownfc.co.uk/Archives/Match_Reports_201112.shtml
| archive-date = 18 July 2011
| url-status = dead
}}
Shortly after leaving Hitchin Town, Cole joined Biggleswade Town, who play in the Division One Central of the Southern League. He made his debut for the club on 19 November 2011, coming on as a substitute in a 1–1 home draw with Slough Town.{{cite news
| title = Rebels and Waders share the points
| url = http://www.sloughtownfc.net/reports/4727/Rebels-and-Waders-share-the-points
| publisher = Slough Town F.C.
| date = 19 November 2011
| access-date = 4 December 2011}} He went on to make six appearances for Biggleswade,{{cite news
| title = First Team Fixtures & Results 2011–12
| url = http://www.biggleswadetownfc.co.uk/#/fixtures-results/4551438829
| publisher = Biggleswade Town F.C.
| access-date = 4 December 2011
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120102114616/http://www.biggleswadetownfc.co.uk/#/fixtures-results/4551438829
| archive-date = 2 January 2012
| url-status = dead
}} scoring one goal,{{cite news
| title = Biggleswade 4–1 Aylesbury
| url = http://www.biggleswadetownfc.co.uk/#/match-reports/4539836664
| publisher = Biggleswade Town F.C.
| date = 10 December 2011
| access-date = 27 January 2012
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120121015327/http://www.biggleswadetownfc.co.uk/#/match-reports/4539836664
| archive-date = 21 January 2012
| url-status = dead
}} before joining Arlesey Town on 7 January 2012.{{cite news
| title = Arlesey Town 3–3 Weymouth
| url = http://www.arleseyfc.co.uk/news0701.html
| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130419133721/http://www.arleseyfc.co.uk/news0701.html
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 19 April 2013
| publisher = Arlesey Town F.C.
| date = 7 January 2012
| access-date = 27 January 2012
}}
International career
Cole was called up to the England C team, who represent England at non-League level, in February 2005, for a friendly against the Netherlands. He scored the only goal for England C in a 1–0 victory over Finland C in June 2007.{{cite news
| title = Cole stars in win against Finland
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/6716787.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 3 June 2007
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} He also scored the winning goal in both games against Wales XI and Gibraltar in 2008.{{cite news
| title = Moxey pleased after England win
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7256393.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 21 May 2008
| access-date = 14 August 2009}}{{cite news
| title = Nicholson leads England C victory
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/torquay_united/7414160.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 22 May 2008
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} Cole was subsequently called up for the England C tour of the Caribbean in June 2008,{{cite news
| title = England C squad announced
| url = http://www.thefa.com/England/EnglandCTeam/NewsAndFeatures/2009/EnglandC_squadannounced.aspx
| publisher = The Football Association
| date = 9 May 2008
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} in which Cole played both games against Grenada and Barbados respectively.{{cite news
| title = Grenada hold England C
| url = http://www.thefa.com/England/EnglandCTeam/NewsAndFeatures/2009/englandc_grenada_report.aspx
| publisher = The Football Association
| date = 1 June 2008
| access-date = 14 August 2009}}{{cite news
| title = C's win in Barbados
| url = http://www.thefa.com/England/EnglandCTeam/NewsAndFeatures/2009/barbados_report.aspx
| publisher = The Football Association
| date = 3 June 2008
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} During the 2008–09 season, Cole played in the 6–2 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina A team.{{cite news
| title = England C taste defeat
| url = http://www.thefa.com/England/EnglandCTeam/NewsAndFeatures/2009/bosnia_report.aspx
| publisher = The Football Association
| date = 17 September 2008
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} He also made further appearances against Italy C and Malta in the same season.{{cite news
| title = England reach final
| url = http://www.thefa.com/England/EnglandCTeam/NewsAndFeatures/2009/England_C_Squad_Italy_report.aspx
| publisher = The Football Association
| date = 12 November 2008
| access-date = 14 August 2009}} Cole's seven goals in 14 appearances makes him the non-League national team's second-highest goalscorer of all-time.{{cite news
| title = Gold King Cole Has To Go Down As A Great
| url = http://www.thenonleaguefootballpaper.com/features/columnists/stuart-hammonds/2940/gold-king-cole-has-to-go-down-as-a-great/
| newspaper = Non-League Paper
| date = 11 December 2012
| access-date = 18 December 2012}}
Personal life
Cole had three children with his wife, Charly, who is the sister of fellow professional footballer and England international Joe Cole.{{cite news
| title = Quotes of the week
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/funny_old_game/5355408.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 16 September 2006
| access-date = 14 August 2009}}{{cite news
| title = The FA – Mitchell Cole
| url = http://www.thefa.com/News/thefa/2012/dec/mitchell-cole-011212.aspx
| publisher = The Football Association
| date = 1 December 2012
| access-date = 9 December 2012}} Charly gave birth to their third child, daughter Leni, on 7 December 2012, just a week after Cole's death.{{cite news
| title = Twitter
| url = https://twitter.com/Charlycole86/status/277010389970071552
| publisher = Twitter
| date = 7 December 2012
| access-date = 7 December 2012}} Mitchell's younger brother Ben Cole started The Mitchell Cole Memorial Tournament in honour of his brother and to raise money for the charity Cardiomyopathy UK.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}
Death
Cole died on 30 November 2012, aged 27.{{cite news
| title = Mitchell Cole, ex-Oxford and Southend footballer, dies at 27
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-20566207
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 1 December 2012
| access-date = 1 December 2012}}
Tributes were widely paid to Cole following his death.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage – Mitchell Cole
| url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/mitchell-cole-statement-520701.aspx
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 1 December 2012
| access-date = 8 December 2012}}{{cite news
| title = Grays Athletic – Mitchell Cole
| url = http://www.graysathletic.co.uk/news/mitchell-cole-788397.html
| publisher = Grays Athletic F.C.
| first = Chris | last = Jones
| date = 1 December 2012
| access-date = 8 December 2012}}{{cite news
| title = Oxford United – Mitchell Cole
| url = http://www.oufc.co.uk/news/article/011212-mitchell-cole-519464.aspx
| publisher = Oxford United F.C.
| date = 1 December 2012
| access-date = 8 December 2012}}{{cite news
| title = Northampton Town – Mitchell Cole
| url = http://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/article/mitchell-cole-519358.aspx
| publisher = Northampton Town F.C.
| date = 1 December 2012
| access-date = 8 December 2012}}{{cite news
| title = Mitchell Cole tributes pour in
| url = http://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/blues/10085676.Mitchell_Cole_tributes_pour_in/
| newspaper = Echo News
| date = 3 December 2012
| access-date = 8 December 2012}}{{cite news
| title = Floral tributes welcome
| url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/cole-floral-tributes-welcome-522407.aspx
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 3 December 2012
| access-date = 8 December 2012}} Cole's first club, Grays Athletic, released a statement — "He is best remembered for his rampaging runs down the left wing, and for scoring some spectacular goals". Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace also paid tribute — "It's such a sad, tragic loss of a young life. Mitch was a key figure for us in the seasons that saw us enjoy a lot of success. We all knew of his condition but it's simply devastating that a young family with such spirit is taken from us so suddenly".{{cite news
| title = Mitchell Cole benefit game planned
| url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/mitchell-cole-benefit-game-planned-522656.aspx
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 3 December 2012
| access-date = 8 December 2012}} Former England C manager Paul Fairclough, who once stated Cole had "the potential to be the new Ryan Giggs",{{cite news
| title = Cole can be new Giggs – Fairclough
| url = http://www.echo-news.co.uk/sport/1447230.cole_can_be_new_giggs_fairclough/
| newspaper = Echo News
| date = 5 June 2007
| access-date = 8 December 2012}} said he was "shattered" by the news of Cole's death.{{cite news
| title = Fairclough's Cole tribute
| url = http://www.thefa.com/News/thefa/2012/dec/paul-fairclough-tribute-mitchell-cole
| publisher = The Football Association
| date = 2 December 2012
| access-date = 8 December 2012}} In an emotional tribute, Fairclough went on to say — "Off the pitch Mitch was fun to be around. He had an amazing outlook on life with a wicked sense of humour. He was admired and respected by people of all ages. He had time for everyone; from the tiny tots to senior football people. He was uncomplicated, extremely approachable and would chat with all types. I cannot believe this bright eyed young man has been taken from us".
Grays Athletic held a minute's silence ahead of their game against Ware on the same day, while Oxford United players wore black armbands during their 3–3 draw with Accrington Stanley.{{cite news
| title = Updates – Accrington Stanley v Oxford United
| url = http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/10083876.Updates___Accrington_Stanley_v_Oxford_United/?ref=rss
| newspaper = Oxford Mail
| date = 1 December 2012
| access-date = 8 December 2012}}{{cite news
| title = Shock as former U's player dies aged 27
| url = http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/10084458.Shock_as_former_U___s_player_dies_aged_27/
| newspaper = Oxford Mail
| date = 3 December 2012
| access-date = 8 December 2012}} Without a first-team match on the day of Cole's death, Stevenage fans paid tribute to Cole by applauding on the 21st minute, the number he wore during his time at the club, during the club's 2–1 FA Youth Cup win over Wigan Athletic.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage Youth defeat Wigan
| url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/report-fayc3-wigan-h-522122.aspx
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 1 December 2012
| access-date = 8 December 2012}} The following day, AFC Wimbledon players wore armbands with 'Mitch' written on them, during their televised FA Cup tie against Milton Keynes Dons.{{cite news
| title = An emotional goal for Jack
| url = http://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news/article/midson-interview-523002.aspx
| publisher = AFC Wimbledon
| date = 3 December 2012
| access-date = 8 December 2012}} Wimbledon striker Jack Midson dedicated his goal to Cole — "The goal meant a lot to me because my friend Mitchell Cole died".{{cite news
| title = AFC Wimbledon must forget MK Dons and focus on Barnet, warns Jack Midson
| url = https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/afc-wimbledon-must-forget-mk-dons-and-focus-on-barnet-warns-jack-midson-8381682.html
| newspaper = London Evening Standard
| date = 4 December 2012
| access-date = 8 December 2012}} Ahead of Oxford United's first home match since Cole's death, against Aldershot Town on 8 December 2012, Oxford United players warmed up in commemorative T-shirts reading "Team Mates Forever – Cole 17".{{cite news
| title = It was a tough day – Oxford United skipper
| url = http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/sport/10097932.It_was_a_tough_day___Oxford_United_skipper/
| newspaper = The Oxford Times
| date = 4 December 2012
| access-date = 8 December 2012}} There was also a minute's applause in tribute to Cole before the match.{{cite news
| title = Oxford United boss praises side's attitude despite draw
| url = http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/10097933.Oxford_United_boss_praises_side_s_attitude_despite_draw/?ref=nt
| newspaper = Oxford Mail
| date = 10 December 2012
| access-date = 10 December 2012}}{{cite news
| title = Football – Wright wanted win for Cole
| url = http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/football-wright-wanted-win-cole-152115407.html
| website = Yahoo Sport
| date = 10 December 2012
| access-date = 10 December 2012}} Stevenage paid a host of tributes to Cole during their first home match since his death, a game against Crawley Town on 15 December, with all Stevenage players and staff wearing white T-shirts with "Cole – 21" on the back prior to the match.{{cite news
| title = Stevenage 1–2 Crawley Town
| url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/report-crawley-h-545345.aspx
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 15 December 2012
| access-date = 18 December 2012}} A minute's silence was held before kick-off, and both sets of supporters clapped during the 21st minute of the match. The following day, Cole was remembered, along with a number of sportspeople who died in 2012, during the 2012 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award ceremony.{{cite news
| title = Sports Personality remembers those who passed in 2012
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/sports-personality/20757143
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 17 December 2012
| access-date = 18 December 2012}}
Stevenage chairman Phil Wallace announced that the club had planned a benefit match for Cole, to be played at Broadhall Way in May 2013.{{cite news
| title = Mitchell Cole: Stevenage plan benefit match
| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20594351
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 4 December 2012
| access-date = 8 December 2012}} The club later announced that the match would take place on Tuesday 7 May 2013 at Broadhall Way.{{cite news
| title = Mitchell Cole benefit game
| url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/mitchell-cole-benefit-game-launch-753159.aspx
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 4 April 2013
| access-date = 5 April 2013}} The match was between a Mitchell Cole XI and a Stevenage XI, with two of Cole's former managers Mark Stimson and Graham Westley managing the two teams. A crowd of over 2,300 turned out to watch the Cole XI side win 7–4.{{cite news
| title = Mitchell Cole remembered
| url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/report-mitchell-cole-game-813023.aspx
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 8 May 2013
| access-date = 8 May 2013}} Among those playing in the match were brother-in-law Joe Cole, as well as James Collins, Andy Carroll, Gary Hooper, Matt Jarvis and Kevin Nolan. Both teams were also made up of many of Cole's former teammates from a number of his previous clubs.{{cite news
| title = Premier League stars to play for Mitch
| url = http://www.stevenagefc.com/news/article/mitch-game-premier-league-807077.aspx
| publisher = Stevenage F.C.
| date = 3 May 2013
| access-date = 8 May 2013}} Proceeds from the match were split between the Cole family and its chosen charity, The Cardiomyopathy Association.
Career statistics
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|FA Cup !colspan="2"|League Cup !colspan="2"|Other{{ref label|Other|A |
|---|
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|35||5||0||0||3||2||8||1||46||8
|-
|rowspan="3"|Southend United
|29||1||2||0||1||0||0||0||32||1
|-
| title = Southend 2006/2007 player appearances
| url = http://www.soccerbase.com/squad_season.sd?teamid=2393
| website = Soccerbase
| access-date = 14 August 2009}}
|4||0||0||0||1||0||0||0||5||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!33!!1!!2!!0!!2!!0!!0!!0!!37!!1
|-
| title = Northampton 2006/2007 player appearances
| url = http://www.soccerbase.com/squad_season.sd?teamid=1867
| website = Soccerbase
| access-date = 14 August 2009}}
|League One
|8||1||0||0||0||0||1||0||9||1
|-
|rowspan="5"|Stevenage Borough
| title = Stevenage Borough 2006–7: Results, rollcall and league table
| url = http://www.boroguide.co.uk/seasons/season.php?ID=0607
| publisher = BoroGuide
| access-date = 13 July 2016}}
|19||2||0||0||0||0||6||1||25||3
|-
| title = Stevenage Borough 2007–8: Results, rollcall and league table
| url = http://www.boroguide.co.uk/seasons/season.php?ID=0708
| publisher = BoroGuide
| access-date = 13 July 2016}}
|26||2||1||0||0||0||0||0||27||2
|-
| title = Stevenage Borough 2008–9: Results, rollcall and league table
| url = http://www.boroguide.co.uk/seasons/season.php?ID=0809
| publisher = BoroGuide
| access-date = 13 July 2016}}
|Conference Premier
|42||12||3||1||0||0||6||1||50||14
|-
| title = Stevenage Borough 2009–10: Results, rollcall and league table
| url = http://www.boroguide.co.uk/seasons/season.php?ID=0910
| publisher = BoroGuide
| access-date = 13 July 2016}}
|Conference Premier
|34||4||3||0||0||0||6||0||43||4
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!121!!20!!7!!1!!0!!0!!18!!2!!146!!23
|-
| title = Oxford 2010/2011 player appearances
| url = http://www.soccerbase.com/squad_season.sd?teamid=1964
| website = Soccerbase
| access-date = 14 June 2010}}
|4||0||0||0||1||0||1||0||6||0
|-
|SSMFL Premier Division
|2||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||2||0
|-
|SFL Premier Division
|11||1||1||0||0||0||2||0||14||1
|-
|SFL Division One Central
|6||1||0||0||0||0||0||0||6||1
|-
| title = Arlesey Town – Match Reports
| url = http://www.arleseyfc.co.uk/news.html
| publisher = Arlesey Town F.C.
| access-date = 27 January 2012
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120204130548/http://www.arleseyfc.co.uk/news.html
| archive-date = 4 February 2012
| url-status = dead
}}
|SFL Premier Division
|10||1||0||0||0||0||0||0||10||1
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!230!!30!!10!!1!!6!!2!!30!!3!!276!!36
|}
{{refbegin}}
:A. {{note|Other}} The "Other" column constitutes appearances and goals (including those as a substitute) in the FA Trophy and Football League Trophy.
{{refend}}
Honours
Grays Athletic
- Conference South: 2004–05
- FA Trophy: 2004–05
Southend United
Stevenage
| title = Stevenage 2–0 York
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8036407.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 9 May 2009
| access-date = 4 May 2019}} runner-up: 2009–10{{cite news
| title = Barrow 2–1 Stevenage (aet)
| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_conf/8633070.stm
| website = BBC Sport
| date = 8 May 2010
| access-date = 5 May 2019}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerbase}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cole, Mitchell}}
Category:Footballers from London
Category:English men's footballers
Category:England men's semi-pro international footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Norwich City F.C. players
Category:West Ham United F.C. players
Category:Grays Athletic F.C. players
Category:Southend United F.C. players
Category:Northampton Town F.C. players
Category:Stevenage F.C. players
Category:Oxford United F.C. players
Category:Stotfold F.C. players
Category:Hitchin Town F.C. players
Category:Biggleswade Town F.C. players
Category:Arlesey Town F.C. players
Category:English Football League players
Category:National League (English football) players
Category:Southern Football League players