That came just twelve months after the dominant defender signed a two-year scholarship for the club from non-league Ryan.

A whirlwind year began when Mitchell-Nelson impressed during a trial period with the Shrimpers U18s, featuring in two matches at the end of the 2016/17 campaign.

In the following season he took time to adapt to the rigours of full-time football, but he learnt his lessons quickly after being dismissed against Luton Town to become one of the youth team’s stand-out performers.

Mitchell-Nelson became a regular for Kevin Maher’s U23s side, with his regular prominence in two matches a week helping the tall back-liner to adjust.

Having been handed a development contract in the summer of 2019, he linked up with Isthmian League South Central club Harlow Town on a work experience loan contract.