Mitchell was born in
Stonehaven,
Aberdeenshire. He began his football career with King Street Belmont before signing professional forms with
Aberdeen in 1981. He stayed with Aberdeen until 1987, and made 65 league appearances. Mitchell signed with
Bradford City in February 1987, and in a spell of a little over five years, made 178 league appearances. After leaving Bradford in 1992, he enjoyed one season spells with both
Bristol City and
Hull City, before retiring in 1994. He then returned to the
Aberdeen area where he worked in sports development for the local council. == Career statistics ==