Guisborough-born Mark Kitching signed for Pools in the summer of 2018 after his release from Rochdale. He was a regular in the left back slot for each of his two seasons at the Vic, slowly winning over the supporters with improved performances in his second season. He was offered new terms in May 2020 as football struggled to cope with the financial pressures brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, but he chose instead to leave the club. He signed for Stockport County in July 2020.