Mitchell 'really excited' to play for Cobblers after being impressed by play-off success

Jonathan Mitchell in action for Macclesfield against the Cobblers last season.

Cobblers' superb victory in the play-off final against Exeter City was a significant factor behind Jonathan Mitchell's decision to join the club on a season-long loan.

Keith Curle has swooped for the Derby County goalkeeper to provide competition for Steve Arnold, who was number one choice for the play-off fixtures.

And Town's stunning success against Cheltenham Town and Exeter caught the eye of Mitchell and helped make up his mind when approached by the Cobblers. The 25-year-old also played against Curle's side whilst on loan at Macclesfield shortly before lockdown.

"I played against Northampton just before the break last season and I thought they were a really tough team to play against," said Mitchell.

"They were a really good team and they have a lot of talent and I also saw them in the play-offs so when I heard there was interest in me from the manager and the coaching staff, I was really excited by the opportunity.

"I was keen to come down to the club and now I want to get into the team, play some games and really kick-on."

Asked what impressed him about the Cobblers, Mitchell added: "When we came up against them, they were a tough team to play. They had real good quality through the team and they then scored seven goals in the second leg of the semi-final and then the final of the play-offs.

"The team have a big goal threat and it was impressive how they dominated the final against Exeter. I played against Exeter last season as well so I know how good a team they are but Northampton just completely dominated the final."

For Mitchell, it's now six months since he last played a competitive fixture.

"It's been a while since I last played - it was the weekend before everything got postponed back in March," he continued.

"I've been training with Derby over the summer because we've been finishing off the Championship season, but now I'm really looking forward the season starting up and getting stuck in with Northampton."