The 22-year-old came through the ranks at Middlesbrough’s highly-regarded academy before moving on to SkyBet League One side Rochdale last January following a successful loan spell.

Most comfortable at left-back, Kitching is also capable of playing in a more advanced role on the left flank so brings a real versatility to Bates’ squad.

Guisborough-born, Kitching also had a short loan spell with York City in 2015/16.

He made 23 appearances for Rochdale last season.

Bates told https://www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk: “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 so he’s another one we’re excited about bringing to the club.

“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.”

Kitching joins Myles Anderson, Andrew Davies, Paddy McLaughlin, Niko Muir and Liam Noble as new signings at the Victoria Ground this summer to date.