Mitchell will officially stand down at the end of November after four years in the post.

Speculation has been rife in recent days that he was set to bring an end to a turbulent relationship with the SPL clubs.

Following Wednesday's SPL board meeting, Mitchell admitted that the worst kept secret in Scottish football was true and that he was ready to call it a day to concentrate on other business ventures.

"As someone who is passionate about Scottish football I wouldn't have missed the last four years for the world," explained Mitchell.

"It's been a tremendous rollercoaster ride during a time of unprecedented change for the game globally.

"I've dealt with many people with huge experience and great business acumen during my time in the game which has been tremendously rewarding."

SPL chairman Lex Gold will takes over from Mitchell in the short term.

Mitchell was left frustrated when his brainchild, SPL TV, collapsed seven months ago after Celtic and Rangers vetoed the proposal.

The Glasgow giants and the rebel 10 have since been uncomfortable bed-fellows in SPL discussions.

On Friday, the 10 admitted they were no nearer a solution to the problems which have split the opposing factions.

Despite the rather low ebb to the end of his reign, Mitchell was in defiant mood.

"The SPL television deal didn't get voted through, but that's water under the bridge.

"The time of television channels owned by rights holders is just around the corner, but that was something all of us in the SPL enjoyed immensely doing that work and in different circumstances it might have ended differently.

"The future is something that Lex and the board will be working on.

"I am not saying the problems don't exist, but I'm still confident that the parties will resolve it in the coming weeks.

"You've got 10 clubs who have resigned and it's clearly not the best moment for football, but that's a moment that's right throughout Europe.

"I am happy with the way I am leaving the SPL personally in relation to Lex and in relation to the clubs."