Mitchell Cole

Early career

Cole began his football career at Norwich City's centre of excellence, based in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, before joining West Ham United's academy when the centre closed. He signed his first professional contract with West Ham on the pitch at Upton Park. Shortly thereafter, he collapsed three times and was diagnosed with the genetic heart condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. West Ham honoured his contract but subsequently released him, citing the risk to his health. Cole did not play for a year, briefly contemplated retiring to become a black cab driver, and put on a stone in weight.

Grays Athletic

Despite his diagnosis, Cole continued to pursue a career in football, as little was then known about the condition and he felt able to manage it himself. In the summer of 2004, after meeting chairman Mick Woodward on a family holiday, Cole was invited to train with Conference South club Grays Athletic. He was subsequently offered a contract by manager Mark Stimson and played regularly during the 2004–05 season, making 47 appearances and scoring nine goals as Grays won the Conference South title. Cole also started in the 2005 FA Trophy final on 23 May 2005, in which Grays defeated Hucknall Town on penalties after a 1–1 draw; he was observed by scouts from Arsenal during the match.

Southend United

Cole's performances for Grays earned him a move to League One club Southend United for an undisclosed fee on 13 July 2005. He made his debut in…

Cole represented England at schoolboy level. He was called up to the England C team, who represent England at non-League level, in February 2005 for a friendly against the Netherlands. He scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Finland C in June 2007, and went on to score the match-winners in games against Wales XI and Gibraltar in 2008. Cole was subsequently selected for the England C tour of the Caribbean in June 2008, playing in both games against Grenada and Barbados. With seven goals in 14 appearances, Cole is the second-highest goalscorer in the history of the non-League national team.

Cole was deployed primarily as a left winger and was known for his pace, ability to take on players, and strong left foot. England C manager Paul Fairclough compared his playing style to that of Ryan Giggs, while manager Mark Stimson stated he had the ability to play at the highest level, highlighting his positional sense and capacity to beat opponents. His brother-in-law, Joe Cole, later noted that, although restricted by his heart condition, he remained technically gifted, quick, and highly talented.

Born on 6 October 1985 in London, England, Cole attended Moorfield Primary School.