Jeanfield Swifts goalkeeper Mark Mitchell decides to sign on for another year - thanks to son Logan

Long-serving Jeanfield Swifts goalkeeper Mark Mitchell has signed up for next season.

The Riverside shot-stopper was contemplating packing away the gloves at the end of this current campaign.

But his son Logan played a starring role in contract negotiations and making sure the dotted line was signed.

Mitchell (37), who is approaching 15 years of service with Swifts, said: “It’s definitely been the hardest decision yet.

“It was in my head all season that this would definitely be my last season and it wasn’t until a couple of weeks ago that I changed my mind.

“My son Logan comes to the games and he said to me: ‘Dad, will you be playing in the Scottish Cup again next year?’ I told him I wasn’t sure because it might be my last year.

“He looked at me and his bottom lip started to shake like he was about to start crying. He loves coming to the games.

“I went home and said to my partner what had happened. She said: ‘You know what to do’. So my mind was made up - the wee man was definitely a factor in me signing on.”

Mitchell added: “Anyone that knows me knows I could certainly be a bit fitter. But I feel up to it.”

Having young goalkeepers pushing for a start is ensuring Mitchell remains at the top of his game.

“We’ve had Sean Dalton in and he has certainly played a few games,” Mitchell said. “He has been brilliant for us.

“That has helped keep me on my toes, knowing there are the young boys there ready to take over.”

Swifts sit fourth in the Premier Division and that looks likely to be their finishing position.

“We didn’t have a good start to the season,” Mitchell admitted. “We were playing catch-up.

“We’ve dropped points against teams down the bottom of the league so hopefully we can take care of that next year.”