Jeanfield Swifts goalkeeper Mark Mitchell couldn't resist another season as Perth club go for Scottish Cup glory

It tends to get to the same point every pre-season.

The questions and thoughts about continuing for one more campaign begin to surface.

And, on every occasion, Jeanfield Swifts stalwart Mark Mitchell gives in to his love for the beautiful game and makes the call: “One more year”.

What makes the experienced goalkeeper’s decision easier is not wanting to miss out on occasions like this coming Saturday.

Mitchell, who turns 39 in October, will again proudly represent his local team in the Scottish Cup and of course all the usual dreams of a prolonged run enter the mindset.

A preliminary round two tie against Scottish Amateur Cup winners Cupar Hearts at the Riverside is the latest date with destiny.

“This season was honestly the closest I’ve been to not playing,” said Mitchell, a line he has churned out to this reporter on more than one occasion.

“I slipped a disc towards the end of last season and was out for two or three months.

“I missed the whole of pre-season and I wasn’t sure if I was going to continue or not. Last season was a bit stop-start with niggles and injuries.

“The only thing I had done ahead of this new season was play in Jamie Reid’s testimonial match. I’m always playing catch-up with fitness anyway as everyone knows.

“But I thought, ah well, one more. I’m taking it on a week-to-week basis, not year-to-year!

“I’ve got this far and everyone keeps saying I need to get to the 40 mark. I’ll see how the body holds up.”

Mitchell also had his arm twisted to continue on by new manager Robbie Holden and that show of faith provided an added boost.

“The new gaffer came in and he was adamant that he wanted me to get fit again to play,” Mitchell explained to the PA. “He showed a lot of faith in me.

“A wee bit of doubt