The story so far for Hereford’s new arrival – Mitchell Roberts.
Academy Trained Tick
Known at Birmingham City Tick
Experienced at higher Level Tick
Regularly Injured Ahh..
Mitch, as he’s usually known, ticked the Caddis big boxes, while his record of being on the injury list is not such a surprise at this level. Step 2 managers can’t afford to be fussy while admiring a respectable cv. Key to the move is not just the background but geography. Mitch was born, raised and still lives in Hagley, the posh Worcestershire village between the black Country and the wilds of Kidderminster. One of my favourite Sunday eateries is in Hagley so he and I may have munched in the same room at the same time.
From the age of 10 or 11 young Mitch was part of the Blues academy (and you thought child labour was finished?) Roberts is a left footed defender and he grew used to being played at left back, left wing back, or being the left footed centre half. His early days went smoothly and he caught the coaches’ eye. Mitch secured his scholarship though was then diagnosed with osteochondral of the knee. That’s a new one to me too, but young Roberts was all too familiar with it after his knee repeatedly failed. He was out of action for 14 months, managing only 10 appearances in his two years as a scholar.
A lost key period he could never get back, but the Blues stuck by him and his career recovered. Then he tore his hammy. After recovering from that setback, the Blues defender was loaned to Harrogate where he quickly “did his hammy again. And then, inevitably, he picked up coronavirus.
Still there was a first team debut in the Championship v Reading. City had five defenders injured so had little choice. The youngster dud well enough though was soon back down the pecking order. He was loaned out again and again, never quite making a name. A knee injury at Oldham closed down that avenue. He did score though, his solitary goal to date, a 40 -yard effort for Solihull.
Birmingham City released him and after a long wait, Oxford City gave him a contract. He managed a solid 20 games in Step One, sufficient to boost his CV. When Boston United gave him a deal, Mitch must have felt well set. He started well too but in September, he badly damaged his ankle ligaments. So much so, he needed an operation, rehab and months of hard recovery. He missed the rest of the season.
But never question the Hagley mans’ resolve or mental toughness. In April this yeae, he founded Athletic Impact, which offers sports mentoring and improvement in well-being for athletes across the Midlands. It’s a full-on role, hence why part time Hereford is ideal for him.
To date Mitchell Roberts has 59 appearances in senior football with one goal. That may be modest for a 24-year-old, but every one of those appearances was in Step One or higher against full time teams so there is a quality over quantity argument.
Welcome Mitch, Fingers crossed for injury free performances.
Simon Wright
