Rushden secure Mitchell signature

Blue Square Premier club Rushden & Diamonds have continued to strengthen with the signing of 22-year-old utility player Scott Mitchell.

The former Ipswich Town trainee has put pen-to-paper on a one-year deal after failing to break into the Peterborough United first team last season.

"I need to play and there's no point in simply sitting on the bench," Mitchell told the Evening Telegraph.

"I've come here where everything is already in place. The facilities wouldn't look out of place in League One.

"There's no way this club should be in the Conference or even League Two. Most of the grounds where I've been before are nowhere near as good as this.

"It makes any player want to sign and, having spoken to the manager, I know that he likes to create an environment of togetherness among a good bunch of lads.

"This is going to be a fresh experience and promotion has got to be the aim. The club has got ambition and I want to give my best so we achieve that.

"I could have gone to any of several League clubs. But I would rather be pushing for promotion in a team doing well instead of fighting at the bottom of the table."

Mitchell started his career with the Tractor Boys, making his debut in 2004 before eventually joining Scottish side Livingston in 2006.

He made over 40 appearances for the Livi Lions and went on to sign for Peterborough on a short term deal in January 2007.

Diamonds boss Garry Hill added: "He's a good size and a strong boy who gives us options in a couple of positions.

"I've watched him play a few times and, although League clubs showed an interest as well, he knows what we're trying to do here.

"We need competition in all areas so Scott's versatility will be important.

"We've got a lot of midfielders but we will see what happens in pre-season."