AN APPEAL has been launched for the daughter of former Chelsea star Dave Mitchell after she lost her leg to cancer.
Glasgow-born Mitchell, 62, played for the Blues between 1988 and 1990, making seven appearances.
The 27-time Australia international also enjoyed spells in England with Newcastle, Swindon Town and Millwall.
And after retiring in 1999, Mitchell entered the world of management with several sides Down Under.
But the former striker was hit by tragedy when his daughter was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Jess Cook was 25 weeks pregnant when doctors confirmed she had a rare soft tissue cancer.
Mitchell’s daughter then required urgent surgery to amputate her left leg.
And now, a GoFundMe appeal has been launched by Jess’ sister Kristy to raise money and support her recovery.
Looking to raise over £76,000, the funds will be used to assist Jess through her extremely difficult moment.
And as of Tuesday morning, an incredible £75k has already been raised by kind-hearted donors.
The swift acts of generosity are sure to delight Mitchell in the hour of his daughter’s need.
A former striker, he enjoyed a varied career that took him to numerous countries.
Mitchell started in Australia with Adelaide City before securing a move to Scotland with Rangers.
He then followed that with a spell in Hong Kong with Seiko before joining German side Eintracht Frankfurt.
Mitchell’s next move saw him play in Holland for Feyenoord.
And it was then that Chelsea came calling.
But Mitchell struggled for minutes and returned to Holland with NEC before giving English football another crack with Newcastle and Swindon.
Mitchell next went to Turkey with Altay Izmir and was soon back in the UK with Millwall.
Mitchell’s later playing days saw him go to Malaysia with Selangor.
But he then closed out his career by returning to Australia, first with Sydney Olympic and then with Sydney United.
His managerial career started while he was still starring at Olympic, becoming player-gaffer there while also taking the same role with United.
He also managed Parramatta Power and Perth Glory in his homeland, while also enjoying spells at Malaysian duo Sarawak and Kedah FA.
Chelsea ratings vs Arsenal
Robert Sanchez – 6
Still punches the ball clear when a catch would be much safer – and reassuring for the fans behind him.
Malo Gusto – 6
Went close with a header in the first-half. But was missing at right-back when Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s 59th minute goal. The problem with also playing in midfield.
Wesley Fofana – 7
Strong challenges and now fully back from lengthy injury. Also went close to a goal in the second half when he pumped the ball just over.
Levi Colwill – 6
Forging a partnership with Fofana at the heart of defence. Got caught dangerously in possession by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard but recovered.
Marc Cucurella – 7
Cracking tussle with Bukayo Saka. Despite being one of only three men on the pitch wearing gloves, including the keepers, Chelsea’s left-back is a formidable defender.
Moises Caicedo – 6
Enjoying a run of form at the moment that includes last weekend’s volleyed equaliser at Manchester United. Strong tackler and smooth through the gears in midfield.
Romeo Lavia – 6
A surprise package keeping £107million Enzo Fernandez out of the team. After a terrible run of injuries is forming some consistency. But any twinge is a scare and came off in the 66th minute.
Noni Madueke – 6
Called up to the latest England squad and is mobile and nippy. Also seemed a bit stroppy and went straight down the tunnel when subbed in the 66th minute. Perhaps needed treatment.
Cole Palmer – 6
Maybe the sore knee is still troubling him. Only trained yesterday for the first time in almost a week. But it hampered his impact on a disjointed London derby.
Pedro Neto – 7
Starting to make his presence felt after being relegated to the Conference League matches. Stunning powerful drive for the equaliser and full of energy.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Feisty and fiery but went to ground too easily to win a couple of free kicks when he could have done more damage on his feet. Gives everything though.
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