Robbie, as you’ll all be aware, got the ‘undredth. That is to say, Robbie Mutchell was the man to bring up our ton in our 1995-6 Conference title-winning campaign. It might have been his only goal that season, but we’re still talking about it. Despite living in the West Midlands and training as an accountant, Mutchell was part of an iconic Boro’ side. He had been a professional footballer, but the decision not to allow us into the Football League meant he was never afforded a second crack.
Robbie Mutchell: Before Boro’
The Birmingham native joined Oxford United straight out of school, before turning pro at the Manor Ground. After that, he moved down to Barnet and was part of the Bees’ side that secured a goalless draw against Chelsea in the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge. Paul Fairclough moved to secure his services after Barnet let him go. It had to wait, though; “contractual complications” meaning the left-back would go part-time with the likes of Bromsgrove Rovers and Telford United. It could have been so different.
In 1995, however, fate intervened. Boro’ had recruited left back Geoff Cooper. Geoff never featured though, leaving for Hong Kong. Mutchell describes how he came to Broadhall Way with Telford in August 1995 and ended up responding to Cloughie’s call. “We did the deal the following week, and little did I know that my next game would be on the same pitch; only in the red and white of Stevenage”.
Robbie’s comments are taken from a 1997 programme, in case you were wondering.
