DARLINGTON have begun their summer rebuilding by signing released Middlesbrough midfielder Jason Kennedy.

After nine players departed the club last week, the midfielder is Quakersf first signing since the end of the season.

He finished the campaign as a regular in Quakersf midfield while on loan from Boro, where he emerged through the youth ranks and made three appearances in the UEFA Cup.

He has signed a two-year contract with Darlington for whom his season ended on a sour note as he missed a penalty in Quakersf shoot-out defeat at Rochdale in the play-offs.

But his stunning goal in the first leg was one of the best goals seen at the Darlington Arena, and manager Dave Penney said: gJason showed his quality last season and is exactly the type of young, talented and hungry player I am looking for.

gI am delighted to have been able to tie him up on a permanent deal.

gHe will add strength to the midfield and, as we saw in the play-off game against Rochdale at the Arena, he will chip in with the odd spectacular goal.h The Darlington Arena ticket office is open today from 9am- 2pm for the sale of season tickets.

Darlington are to host Leeds United in a pre-season friendly for the fifth successive summer.

The match is on Tuesday, July 29, (7.30pm).

Seven days later Darlington play at home to Middlesbrough (7.45pm).