Former EFL player comes out of retirement to try save Bradford (Park Avenue) from relegation

The much loved former EFL player James Hanson comes out of retirement to try and save Bradford (Park Avenue) from relegation.

The Northern Premier League Premier Division strugglers has successfully enticed the Bantams legend out of retirement on a deal until the end of the season.

They sit 19th in the 7th tier division with 25 points from 35 games played, and two points from safety, but teams around Bradford (Park Avenue) have 1-2 games in hand.

EX-CITY STRIKER JAMES HANSON LEAVES RETIREMENT TO JOIN BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)! https://t.co/ifK9toXI5U pic.twitter.com/caDT6n0nDm

— Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC (@BPAFCOfficial) March 27, 2024

CLUB STATEMENT:

Bradford (Park Avenue) can today announce the signing of ex-Bradford City striker James Hanson, confirming an exciting return from his previously announced retirement.

Hanson is available for selection immediately, following agreements on a deal that will see him at the Horsfall until the end of the season.

As you may already know, Hanson is well known by fans at our neighbours Bradford City, where he made over 300 appearances, and scored at least 91 goals over an 8-year career with the Bantams.

His playing career has already spanned over 17 years, and along with City, he has been on the books at Eccleshill, Guiseley, Sheffield United, Bury, AFC Wimbledon, Grimsby Town, Farsley Celtic, Boston United, and most recently at Worksop Town.

Hanson’s stats show over 142 goals in over 536 appearances, from Non-League to the EFL, bringing a wealth of experience into Danny Whitakers squad.

James had this to say on his signing;

“Really happy to come and help my local team in their bid to avoid relegation, it’s on my doorstep and a team full of young lads so my experience will definitely help them”

You can watch just a few of his best goals on our announcement video below.

We’d also like to say a huge thanks to the BPA Development Fund for their support in helping to get this deal completed.

HIS CAREER:

Youth
Huddersfield Town
Bradford City

Senior
2006–2007 – Eccleshill United
2007–2009 – Guiseley – 105 games (45 goals)
2009–2017 – Bradford City – 335 games (91 goals)
2017–2018 – Sheffield United – 15 games (1 goal)
2018 → Bury (loan) – 18 games (0 goals)
2018–2019 – AFC Wimbledon – 34 games (5 goals)
2019–2021 – Grimsby Town – 55 games (11 goals)
2021–2022 – Farsley Celtic – 14 games (4 goals)
2022 – Boston United – 15 games (2 goals)
2022–2024 – Worksop Town – 37 games (8 goals)
Total – 627 games (167 goals)

Twitter users reacted as former EFL player James Hanson comes out of retirement to try and save Bradford (Park Avenue) from relegation…

@BcfcBrad1903: @bcf_independent can we organise a boycott for the 6th April and all head down to BPA to see a proper City legend?

@mattycrazy02: WHAT ON EARTH LETS GOOOOOOOOO

@Ben24940802: Another way to protest?? Let’s go see big Jim #bcafc

@boarsheadbantam: #bcafc g’wan big Jim! 🤩

@sjdickerson95: Here we gooooo!!! 💚🤍💚🤍

@greg198610: Oh my. Up the avey!

@PargeyBCAFC: What the fuck

@nige_Avalley: That’s such a clever move by park ave. #bcafc

@neilbedford: This used to be us. We signed legends. We gave fans unbelievable amounts of hope. Now we are being out-sung by Park Avenue, although totally here for it. Good luck to all involved. #bcafc

@jxckclxyb: wtf bpa here i come #bcafc

@LukeRavenscr0ft: I know where I’m watching football till the end of the season 😂 #bcafc

@BantamPete: Great to see #bcafc legend Big Jimmy Hanson lend a hand to the Avenue in their fight to avoid the drop 💪🏻

@bowers_bcafc12: I am now a BPA fan! #bcafc

@allmoshnopit: We’re on the pitch if he scores against us in pre season ❤️🧡 #bcafc

@ThyChickens: Fuck it, I’m off too park ave for the rest of the season to watch someone who deserves the support #bcafc

@RFlavell: This is quality bit of business from Bradford park ave THE FIGHT IS ON 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

@AndyBantamsCarr: Big Jim will be in League 1 with BPA before we make it there 😂 #bcafc

@jacobbcafc1244: That’s mental 😭😭😭

@Jacobbrook9: The goat

@matthewbcafc: Good luck Big Jim! How we’d love to have you back at the bantams!

@jacobbcafc1244: Fair play man 😂

@louiesharkeyy: WE ARE STAYING UP SAY WE ARE STAYING UP UP THE AVENUE!!!!!!!

@Ashh1390: Come on Avenue!

@leepasq12: That is an absolutely brilliant signing. all the best to him

@dickie_cross: Be a boost for the bar takings if nowt else.

@Jaydennnnn05: What a great move for all, will attract a fair few city fans down as well (including myself) given the state of our club. Good luck big Jim & BPA 👍

@AlastairH93: Good luck to big Jim. City legend

@WakeyBantam: Big Jim will keep you guys up 💪

@LeonHobbes: What a signing that is.

THE GREAT ESCAPE IS ON #BRADFORD!

On Saturday 30th March, we travel to @ilkestontown_fc for a 3pm KO.

Admission costs £12 for adults and £8 for concessions and students, with children under the age of 16 admitted free of charge.

We then return to the Horsfall on Monday 1st… pic.twitter.com/9rBUEyh3IQ

— Bradford (Park Avenue) AFC (@BPAFCOfficial) March 27, 2024