James Hanson

Playing career

Early career

Born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, Hanson played youth football for Huddersfield Town (where he was let go at the age of 15 for being too small), as well as Bradford City. He began his senior career playing semi-professional non-league football with Eccleshill United and Guiseley, balancing his football career with a job in a local Co-operative supermarket in Idle, Bradford. Bradford City fans later sang a song about Hanson's supermarket work.

Bradford City

Hanson signed his first professional contract with Bradford City in July 2009, with his transfer fee set by a tribunal hearing six months later at a figure close to £7,500, a sell-on clause and the agreement of a friendly between the two sides. In making the move, Hanson took nearly a 50% pay cut.

Hanson made his debut for Bradford on the opening day of the 2009–10 season, on 8 August 2009, in a 5–0 defeat against Notts County. Hanson scored his first goal for Bradford on 22 August 2009, in a 5–4 victory away at Cheltenham Town. Hanson won the Player of the Year award during his first season at Bradford City, and was rewarded with a new, improved contract for the next four years.

Ahead of his second season with the club, Hanson decided to bulk up.

In February 2012, Hanson suffered a groin injury, and was estimated to miss six weeks of matches. During the 2011–12 season, Hanson scored 14 goals, his highest tally to date in three years as a professional.

In October 2012, teammate Andrew Davies stated his belief that Hanson's goals would help the club achieve promotion. He scored Bradford City's goal in the second leg League Cup semi-final tie against Aston Villa, and was named Man Of The Match for the second leg, helping Bradford to the League Cup final. Hanson had a broken toe prior to the match, and received an injection for it 15 minutes before kick-off. Hanson's performance was praised by former manager Steve Kittrick.

Hanson played in the 2013 Football League Cup Final; after the match, he said he believed Bradford City would return to Wembley via the League Two play-offs. Hanson scored two goals in the next three League matches, reaching 10 goals for the season, and later that month he stated that the club had to win both forthcoming Easter games. In April 2013, Hanson spoke of the "buzz" around the club as they mounted a play-off challenge. On 5 May, he scored a vital goal in the second leg of the play-off semi-final against Burton Albion, helping Bradford overcome a 3–2 deficit from the home leg to win the game 3–1 and the tie 5–4 on aggregate. In the Final at Wembley, Hanson scored in a 3–0 victory against Northampton Town, and later spoke about how he was looking forward to playing in a higher division.

Sheffield United

On 21 January 2017 Sheffield United made an offer for Hanson. The transfer was completed on 24 January 2017. He stated that he was looking forward to playing against his old club. He scored on his debut in a 4–0 win over AFC Wimbledon on 4 February 2017. In August 2017 and November 2017 he was linked with a return to Bradford City, although the club's manager Stuart McCall dismissed the rumours.

Hanson made his debut in the Championship in November 2017, against Fulham.

He moved on loan to Bury in January 2018. He was transfer-listed by Sheffield United at the end of the 2017–18 season.

AFC Wimbledon

On 26 June 2018, Hanson left Sheffield United by mutual consent, and joined AFC Wimbledon.

Hanson struggled with minor injuries during the 2018–19 season. Wimbledon's last game of the season was away at Hanson's former club Bradford City.

In June 2019 he was linked with a possible return to Bradford City, but the link was denied by City manager Gary Bowyer.

Grimsby Town

In June 2019 he signed for Grimsby Town, on a two-year contract.

He scored 5 goals and made 3 assists in August 2019, which saw him awarded the EFL League Two Player of the Month for the month.

On 12 May 2021 it was announced that he would leave Grimsby at the end of the season, following the expiry of his contract.

Non-league

On 13 July 2021, Hanson signed with National League North side Farsley Celtic, having rejected interest from a number of League Two and National League clubs, to return to part-time football.

On 14 January 2022, Hanson signed for Boston United until end of the 2021–22 season. He was not retained at the end of the season.

On 12 June 2022, Hanson signed for Worksop Town ahead of the 2022–23 season.

Hanson announced his retirement in January 2024. He was later praised by former Bradford City strike partner Nahki Wells.

In March 2024, Hanson came out of retirement to join Bradford (Park Avenue). He re-signed with the club for the 2024–25 season. His contract with Park Avenue was on a 'pay as you play' basis, to fit around his family and work life.

Hanson retired for a second time in October 2024.

Hanson came out of retirement again in September 2026, signing with Keighley Town.

Coaching career

Hanson began coaching at the RIASA Academy in September 2021.

Personal life

Hanson attended Beckfoot School in Bingley from 1999 to 2004. Hanson and his wife Jodie had their first child, a daughter named Lexie, in November 2012. Lexie was blessed the day after her father scored in the League Two Playoff Final at Wembley. Jodie is a teacher who remained in the north when Hanson moved to London to play for Wimbledon.

Hanson has fundraised for former teammate Stephen Darby's MND charity.

Career statistics

As of 6 May 2024

Honours

Guiseley

Northern Premier League Chairman's Cup: 2006–07

Northern Premier League Challenge Cup: 2008–09

Bradford City

Football League Two play-offs: 2013

Football League Cup runner-up: 2012–13

Sheffield United

EFL League One: 2016–17

Individual

EFL League Two Player of the Month: August 2019