Rochdale manager Keith Hill has completed his first signing of the summer after purchasing Jason Kennedy from cash-strapped League Two outfit Darlington.
The 23-year-old midfielder has left the beleaguered Quakers and agreed a two-year deal at Spotland after lengthy negotiations between Rochdale and Darlington's administrator.
Hill told Rochdale's official website: "There has been a tremendous amount of effort in the negotiations but it has come to fruition with an excellent signing."
He added: "Jason has had offers from other clubs and could have hung on for longer but wanted to get the mental side of things settled and to prepare himself for a big season next time around.
"Jason is a very good football player, he is the right age, has a wonderful attitude and will give us great competition for places in a key area of the field."
Kennedy, an academy graduate of Middlesbrough's youth system, made 53 appearances and scored five goals for Darlington last term.
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