Background
Thomas Mitchell was born in Dumfries but moved south of the border c.1867.
Thomas Mitchell was born in Dumfries but moved south of the border c.1867.
Mitchell became secretary-manager of in 1884. The club then went on to five wins in eight seasons between 1884 and 1891. Mitchell left Blackburn after 12 years as manager in 1896.
There is some doubt over whether he was "s firstor second-ever manager.
Sam Hollis is credited on the club"s official website as being the club"s first manager, other historical sources claim Hollis was only the club"s trainer and thus Mitchell was the club"s first manager – a view reinforced by the club"s own official history, amongst other sources. Regardless of whether Hollis was properly in charge of the club during his time there, Mitchell is nevertheless credited as being "s first professional manager.
However, he only lasted less than a season in the job, and although the club would reach fifth in the Second Division in 1897-1898, neither he nor most of his signings stayed long with the club Mitchell resigned as manager on 10 March 1898.
Mitchell returned to He died in Blackburn in 1921, aged 78.