Millwall defender Alex Mitchell has spoken about his current loan spell at Lincoln City and his future at the Championship club in an interview with London News Online.
Alex Mitchell is currently enjoying yet another loan away from his parent club, a fourth spell that sees him competing in League One with the Imps. His previous temporary switches have seen him represent Bromley in the National League, Leyton Orient in League Two and St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.
The 22-year-old centre-back has slotted into a defence who have been watertight, conceding just three goals in Mitchell’s last 12 appearances. Lincoln is enjoying an incredible run of 13 matches unbeaten and is hopeful of squeezing into the final playoff spot.
Mitchell spoke about waiting for the team to click and how the form they are in has made defending easier. In the London News Online article, he said, “I think you could always tell that once we clicked that we would be in a good place. We have always had a good defence and it’s easier not to concede goals when you are scoring a lot of them, because teams don’t want to attack as much.”
The defender has made 29 league appearances this season and is keen for the good form not to go to waste. “It’s been decent – 13 unbeaten and only four goals conceded in that time. We have done well to get to this stage but there is no point then bottling the last seven games – these are the ones that we are in a privileged position to achieve something.”
“Barnsley away was a bit of a statement, about what we can do. We are two points (behind the play-offs) and have got to play Oxford. I don’t think you can get fixated on the table. You have to be aware but concentrating on one game at a time is the best way of looking at it.”
Mitchell also discussed how he likes to commit fully to any loan move, and not worry too much about what’s happening elsewhere. “When I am up here I like to be up here, if you get me, I feel like if you have got one eye on home and one eye here then you are probably not as efficient or good on the pitch. This loan has been a bit different. It’s the first time I’ve brought furniture up and stuff like that. Normally I just stay up here and don’t really go back home.”
He has established himself as part of Lincoln’s back three and is enjoying playing regular football, something he is aware may not be the case should he return to the capital. “I’ve played 104 games now and I’ve kind of had a bit of a career for myself outside of Millwall. I know that I am on Millwall’s books – if it works out there then it does and if it doesn’t then it doesn’t.”
“I’m not really stressed about that. Millwall have given me the opportunity to do what I have done so far. I haven’t really thought about it (his future) at all this season. I like to live in the here and now. I’ve still got the year of security.”
“It would be frustrating if I went back to the bench but it is a step up in standards, even if you are getting 20-25 games coming off the bench in the Championship.”
Millwall have had an eventful season, recently re-appointing Neil Harris to the manager’s position. Mitchell, who has made one EFL Cup appearance for the Lions, says he is not paying too much attention to what is happening at The Den.
“To be honest, not a lot,” he answered. “Obviously you’re aware of the manager situation but I don’t really watch football too much, I don’t really pay too much attention to any football.”
As the Imps prepare for their Good Friday showdown with Leyton Orient, the defender spoke of his enjoyment of being with the Imps. “When you grow up in the academy system you kind of live in a bit of a bubble – you don’t realise how privileged you are to play football.
“For some reason when I came here I’ve maybe been reminded of that. I enjoy going into training and being around Lincoln – it is a real privilege to do what I do.”
Writer’s View
When the in-form Adam Jackson got injured, Mitchell stepped up to partner captain Paudie O’Connor and youngster Sean Roughan in a defence that has provided the solid base for the attacking players to flourish and propel the club from mid-table obscurity to having a real chance of making the top six.
The big defender is fully committed to the cause and there is no question of him being distracted by events at Millwall or what his future might hold. Unfortunately for Lincoln, there is still a year left on his contract at The Den so signing him permanently may be out of the question. Perhaps he can leave the furniture where it is and return on another loan next season!
