HARTLEPOOL UNITED have made their sixth summer signing, with the arrival of Mark Kitching.

The former Middlesbrough prospect, who spent 14 years with Boro's Academy, joins Pools after making 23 appearances for Rochdale last season.

Guisborough-born Kitching is a left-back / wing-back and fills a hole in the squad following the exit of Blair Adams.

Pools boss Matthew Bates told the club website: “Kitch is a great lad with a good pedigree.

“He is a strong and athletic player who has a brilliant left foot and can play in a number of different positions

“We’ve brought in some experience this summer and in Kitch we’ve got someone who is young and ambitious but with a good number of games at League One level under his belt too.”