James Hanson: Remarkable Co-op to Wembley Journey
The inspiring story of Bradford’s 6ft 4in striker, his football career, famous goals, clubs and retirement
Introduction
James Hanson is an English former footballer best known for his long and memorable career with Bradford City.
The Bradford-born striker went from stacking supermarket shelves and playing non-league football to scoring at Wembley for his hometown club. He also helped the Bantams reach the 2013 League Cup final after one of the greatest cup runs in English football history.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, Hanson built his reputation through powerful heading, physical strength, hard work and an ability to bring teammates into the game.
James Hanson Quick Profile
| Detail | Verified information |
|---|---|
| Full name | James Robert Hanson |
| Date of birth | 9 November 1987 |
| Age | 38 years old as of July 2026 |
| Birthplace | Bradford, West Yorkshire, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Profession | Former footballer |
| Playing position | Striker and centre-forward |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches or 1.93 metres |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Best known for | Bradford City, the 2013 League Cup run and scoring at Wembley |
| Bradford City record | 335 appearances and 91 goals in all competitions |
| Last club | Bradford Park Avenue |
| Current status | Retired |
Soccerbase records his full name, birth date, English nationality, forward position and height of 1.93 metres.
Who Is James Hanson?
James Robert Hanson is a retired English centre-forward whose career was strongly connected with Bradford football.
He represented Bradford City for almost eight years, becoming a popular figure among supporters. His most famous achievements included reaching the League Cup final, winning promotion at Wembley and scoring 91 goals for the club.
His journey stands out because he did not enter professional football through an easy or direct route. He experienced academy rejection, played at non-league level and worked in a local supermarket before receiving his opportunity.
Readers interested in other determined football careers can also explore the story of Sergio Canales, whose playing journey was shaped by major injuries and repeated comebacks.
James Hanson Age and Date of Birth
He was born on 9 November 1987.
James Hanson’s age is 38 as of 10 July 2026. He will celebrate his 39th birthday on 9 November 2026.
His confirmed birth date also means his zodiac sign is Scorpio.
James Hanson Nationality and Bradford Background
Hanson is English and was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
His background is closely connected with Bradford and the surrounding area. He attended Beckfoot School in Bingley and developed through local football before building his professional career.
He spent time in the youth systems of Huddersfield Town and Bradford City. However, he was released before establishing himself as a senior player.
Rather than leaving football, he moved into the non-league game with Eccleshill United and Guiseley. That decision eventually gave him another route into professional competition.
Childhood and Early Football Development
Hanson began organised football when he was young and initially played in different positions.
During his youth development, Huddersfield Town reportedly used him as a left-back. He was released while still a teenager, partly because he had not yet developed into the tall and physically strong player seen later in his career.
A growth spurt changed his physical profile. He moved further forward and began developing as a striker.
His early setbacks became an important part of his story. Rather than receiving a professional contract immediately, he had to demonstrate his ability through local and semi-professional football.
This type of persistence can also be seen in other professional sporting careers, including the rise of Justin Champagnie from an undrafted basketball prospect to an NBA player.
Working at the Co-op
Before becoming a full-time footballer, Hanson worked at a Co-operative supermarket in Idle, Bradford.
He stacked shelves and completed other store duties while playing non-league football. Bradford City supporters later celebrated this background through a popular chant about his former supermarket job.
His move from the Co-op to Wembley became one of the best-known stories surrounding Bradford’s 2012–13 season.
Reports from the time said Bradford paid approximately £7,500 to sign him from Guiseley. Only a few years later, he scored the goal that helped the club defeat Aston Villa over two legs and qualify for a major cup final.
Non-League Career with Eccleshill United and Guiseley
Hanson began his senior football journey with Eccleshill United.
He later joined Guiseley, where his performances as a centre-forward attracted attention. He developed into a productive goalscorer and recorded 36 league goals in 83 appearances for the club.
Bradford City invited him for a trial during the summer of 2009. His performances in friendly matches convinced the club to offer him his first professional contract.
His rise from local football shows the importance of the English non-league system. It gives developing players another opportunity when they are released by professional academies.
Bradford City Breakthrough
Hanson signed for Bradford City in July 2009.
He made his Football League debut against Notts County on 8 August 2009. His first professional goal arrived later that month during a dramatic 5–4 victory over Cheltenham Town.
He scored regularly during his first campaign and was named Bradford City’s Player of the Year for the 2009–10 season.
The award was a major early achievement. Only one year earlier, he had been combining supermarket work with non-league football.
Partnership with Nahki Wells
One of the most important parts of Hanson’s Bradford career was his partnership with Nahki Wells.
The two forwards offered different attacking qualities. Wells provided pace, movement and quick finishing, while Hanson competed in the air, held up the ball and created opportunities for teammates.
Their partnership helped Bradford move away from struggles near the bottom of League Two and towards cup success and promotion.
Hanson’s contribution could not always be measured only through goals. His aerial challenges and physical presence often created space for Wells and other attacking players. Contemporary Bradford analysis described him as a central figure in the club’s revival.
Historic 2012–13 League Cup Run
Bradford City produced an extraordinary League Cup campaign during the 2012–13 season.
The League Two club defeated higher-level opponents including Watford, Wigan Athletic and Arsenal before meeting Premier League side Aston Villa in the semi-final.
Bradford won the first leg against Villa 3–1. In the second leg at Villa Park, Christian Benteke gave Aston Villa an early lead and increased the pressure on the visitors.
Hanson then scored with a firm second-half header. His goal restored Bradford’s aggregate advantage and helped the club reach Wembley with a 4–3 overall victory.
He produced the performance despite having a broken toe and missing training before the match. UEFA’s match report confirmed that his header played a decisive role in Bradford becoming the first fourth-tier side in 51 years to reach the final.
Bradford faced Swansea City in the final on 24 February 2013. Swansea won 5–0, but reaching the match remained a historic achievement for the Bantams.
Scoring at Wembley and Winning Promotion
Bradford returned to Wembley only a few months after the League Cup final.
The club qualified for the League Two play-off final after defeating Burton Albion over two semi-final legs. Hanson played an important role and scored during the second leg.
Bradford then faced Northampton Town at Wembley on 18 May 2013.
Hanson opened the scoring after 15 minutes with a header. Rory McArdle and Nahki Wells added further goals as Bradford won 3–0 and secured promotion to League One.
The goal was especially meaningful because he scored at Wembley for the club from his hometown.
Later Bradford City Career
He remained an important Bradford player after promotion.
Among his later memorable moments were scoring against Leeds United in the League Cup, helping the Bantams defeat Chelsea in the FA Cup and completing his 300th appearance for the club.
In April 2016, he scored his first professional hat-trick as Bradford defeated Walsall 4–0.
He left the Bantams in January 2017 after registering 335 appearances and 91 goals across all competitions. Sky Sports reported those figures when his transfer to Sheffield United was announced.
Hanson remains one of Bradford City’s leading modern goalscorers and a recognised club legend.
More former athletes who built lasting public careers can be found among Spark Daily’s British sporting profiles.
Sheffield United and League One Success
Sheffield United signed Hanson in January 2017.
The club was competing for promotion under manager Chris Wilder. The striker added experience, height and physical strength during the second half of the season.
Sheffield United won the 2016–17 League One title and earned promotion to the Championship.
He later spent part of 2018 on loan with Bury before leaving Bramall Lane.
AFC Wimbledon and Grimsby Town
Hanson joined AFC Wimbledon in 2018.
He made 29 league appearances and scored five league goals during his season with the London club. Injuries interrupted parts of his campaign, but he continued to provide a direct attacking option.
In July 2019, he signed for Grimsby Town.
His start at Grimsby was particularly strong. He recorded five goals and three assists during August 2019 and received the EFL League Two Player of the Month award.
He remained with the Mariners until 2021, completing another important stage of his Football League career.
Return to Non-League Football
After leaving Grimsby Town, Hanson returned to part-time football.
He represented Farsley Celtic, Boston United and Worksop Town. His experience made him useful both as a player and as a senior figure around younger teammates.
At Worksop, he contributed to a team that earned promotion and returned to the Northern Premier League Premier Division.
The club recorded 37 appearances and eight goals for him across all competitions.
The career of former England cricketer Vic Marks offers another example of how a respected sports figure can remain influential after leaving top-level competition.
Retirement, Comeback and Final Club
Hanson initially announced his retirement in January 2024.
He explained that injuries had affected him and that he wanted to spend more weekends with his growing children. Worksop Town’s retirement announcement described his long career and contribution to the club.
However, he returned to football in March 2024 by joining Bradford Park Avenue.
The move allowed him to help another local club during its relegation battle. He later agreed to remain for the beginning of the following season and briefly served as interim manager.
He retired for a second time in October 2024. Bradford Park Avenue was the final club of his playing career.
James Hanson Clubs
His senior club journey included:
- Eccleshill United
- Guiseley
- Bradford City
- Sheffield United
- Bury on loan
- AFC Wimbledon
- Grimsby Town
- Farsley Celtic
- Boston United
- Worksop Town
- Bradford Park Avenue
His career covered the English Football League and several levels of non-league football.
James Hanson Height and Playing Position
Hanson is 6 feet 4 inches or 1.93 metres tall.
He mainly played as a striker or centre-forward. His height made him especially effective when attacking crosses, long passes and set pieces.
His main playing qualities included:
- Powerful heading
- Aerial strength
- Holding up the ball
- Physical battles with defenders
- Creating space for strike partners
- Attacking crosses
- Defensive support at corners
- Strong work rate
He was naturally right-footed, but his biggest attacking threat usually came through his heading and movement inside the penalty area.
Injuries and Career Challenges
Hanson experienced several injuries during his long career.
One of his most famous performances came while playing with a broken toe against Aston Villa. He also experienced groin, ankle, calf and other fitness problems at different points.
Injuries became more difficult during the final years of his playing journey. He said the physical demands of almost two decades in senior football had taken their toll.
His ability to continue playing after setbacks became part of his hard-working public image. Like many stories featured on Spark Daily, his career was shaped by persistence rather than instant success.
Family Life
Public reports from the 2012–13 season named Jodie as Hanson’s partner and recorded the birth of their daughter Lexie in November 2012.
Later retirement comments referred to his children and his wish to spend more time supporting their weekend activities.
He has generally kept his family life away from regular media attention. His public profile has remained centred on football and his connection with Bradford.
Public Image and Work Ethic
Hanson is remembered as a grounded and hard-working footballer.
His public story includes academy rejection, non-league football, supermarket work, professional success, major cup matches and a long senior career.
Former coaches and teammates regularly praised his commitment and willingness to help the team. Worksop manager Craig Parry described him as exceptional on and off the pitch and praised his character when announcing his retirement.
His journey showed that a player does not need to become a teenage star to build a successful football career.
Life After Full-Time Football
Hanson began coaching at the RIASA football academy after leaving full-time professional competition.
Bradford City also reported in July 2024 that he was working as a Class 1 HGV driver while playing part-time for Bradford Park Avenue.
This continued the practical and grounded image associated with him since his supermarket days.
As of July 2026, he remains publicly connected with Bradford City. He appeared alongside Wayne Jacobs in promotional material for the club’s 2026–27 away kit.
Major Honours and Achievements
Bradford City
- League Cup runner-up in 2012–13
- League Two play-off winner in 2013
- Promotion to League One
- Bradford City Player of the Year in 2009–10
- 335 appearances in all competitions
- 91 goals in all competitions
- More than 300 appearances for his hometown club
Sheffield United
- EFL League One champion in 2016–17
- Promotion to the Championship
Grimsby Town
- EFL League Two Player of the Month for August 2019
Worksop Town
- Helped the club earn promotion to the Northern Premier League Premier Division
Why Is James Hanson Famous?
He is famous mainly for his achievements with Bradford City.
His header against Aston Villa helped send the League Two club to the 2013 League Cup final. His opening goal against Northampton Town later helped Bradford win promotion at Wembley.
He is also remembered for his unusual route into professional football. His move from working in a Co-op supermarket to playing in major Wembley matches became a symbol of determination and late development.
Interesting Facts
- He was born in Bradford and later became a hero for his hometown club.
- He was released from professional youth systems before succeeding in non-league football.
- He worked in a Co-op supermarket before becoming a full-time player.
- Bradford reportedly paid about £7,500 to sign him from Guiseley.
- He won Bradford City’s Player of the Year award during his first professional season.
- He scored against Aston Villa while dealing with a broken toe.
- He played at Wembley twice during the 2012–13 season.
- He scored the first goal in Bradford’s League Two play-off final victory.
- He made 335 appearances for Bradford City.
- He scored 91 goals for the Bantams.
- He helped Sheffield United win the League One title.
- He returned from retirement to help Bradford Park Avenue.
- Supporters and teammates commonly called him “Big Jim”.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is James Hanson?
He is 38 years old as of July 2026.
When was he born?
He was born on 9 November 1987.
Where was he born?
He was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England.
What is James Hanson’s nationality?
He is English.
How tall is James Hanson?
He is 6 feet 4 inches or 1.93 metres tall.
What position did he play?
He played as a striker and centre-forward.
Which club is he best known for?
He is best known for Bradford City, where he made 335 appearances and scored 91 goals in all competitions.
Did James Hanson work in a supermarket?
Yes. He worked at a Co-op supermarket while playing non-league football.
Did he score at Wembley?
Yes. He scored the opening goal when Bradford defeated Northampton Town 3–0 in the 2013 League Two play-off final.
Why was his goal against Aston Villa important?
The goal helped Bradford defeat Aston Villa over two legs and reach the 2013 League Cup final.
Which clubs did he play for?
His clubs included Eccleshill United, Guiseley, Bradford City, Sheffield United, Bury, AFC Wimbledon, Grimsby Town, Farsley Celtic, Boston United, Worksop Town and Bradford Park Avenue.
Is James Hanson retired?
Yes. He ended his playing career for the second time in October 2024.
Conclusion
James Hanson’s football journey remains one of Bradford’s most memorable sporting stories.
He moved from local football and supermarket work into the professional game. He then became a key player for his hometown club, scored historic goals and appeared at Wembley twice in one season.
His career was built on aerial strength, determination and steady improvement rather than early fame.
The header at Aston Villa, the promotion goal at Wembley and his 335 Bradford City appearances ensure that “Big Jim” continues to hold an important place in the club’s modern history.
