JONATHAN FRANKS has completed a move to North-East neighbours Hartlepool United following his release from Middlesbrough.

Pools, who never release the details over the length of a player's contract, have taken him in on a permanent basis after his contract at the Riverside Stadium came to an end.

Franks scored three times in 14 appearances on loan at Yeovil during the last few months of the season but their League One rivals moved to beat them to his signature.

The Stockton-born winger, who can also play up front, has struggled to force his way in to the Middlesbrough first team because of a series of back and shoulder injuries.

But now, after rejecting an offer from Yeovil, he hopes the fresh start will provide the kick-start to his career he has been looking for.

Franks, who made 11 starts and 19 substitute appearances for Middlesbrough, is expected to be joined at Victoria Park by Jonathan Grounds.

Grounds has also found opportunities limited under Tony Mowbray and he also spent the back end of the season on loan at Huish Park.

The versatile defender, who can play left-back or centrally, has also been allowed to leave by Mowbray after his contract expired.

After signing Franks with the intention to play him on the right flank, Hartlepool manager Neale Cooper is still on the look out for two strikers and a central midfielder.

Mowbray, on the other hand, is also actively working on deals that will see his squad strengthened.

Franks and Grounds have followed Barry Robson, Danny Coyne and Luke Dobie out of the Championship club, while the futures of free agents Justin Hoyte, Tony McMahon, Matthew Bates, Malaury Martin, Bartholomew Ogbeche remain unclear.

Mowbray knows he must ensure there are a number of faces in his squad before the start of the new season in August, with Ipswich's Grant Leadbitter among a number of names lined up to arrive.

* Middlesbrough have confirmed their second pre-season friendly with a trip to Scunthorpe United on Wednesday, August 8.

Boro, who also travel to Falkirk on July 22, have lined up the Iron, who finished 18th in League One this season.