7:00am Friday 24th July 2009
By Mike Crowther
James Hanson can’t wait to start his career as a fully-fledged professional with his home-town club – but he must work his notice at the local Co-op first!
The striker, who signed a two-year contract with the Bantams yesterday, has been working behind the counter at Idle Co-op along with playing for UniBond League Premier Division side Guiseley.
And the 21-year-old has to put in a few more shifts before his Valley Parade career starts in full.
Hanson said: “I am absolutely delighted to get a deal. It’s a dream come true.
“It certainly beats working until 10 o’clock at night.
“I’ve been working part-time at the Co-op near me and it’s just been fitting in with my semi-professional career.
“I’ve still got to work my week’s notice though and I don’t finish there until Wednesday.”
Hanson’s aerial presence has caught the eye in pre-season friendlies since he arrived on trial after scoring 44 goals in two seasons for Guiseley.
Before that, the former Beckfoot School pupil was plying his trade in the Northern Counties East League with Eccleshill United, having been released by Huddersfield Town at 15.
Hanson admits he is still pinching himself at earning a contract but believes he can justify the faith shown in him by boss Stuart McCall, whose side entertain Barnsley in their latest pre-season game tomorrow.
“I’m still coming to terms with it to be honest, playing with the sort of players that are here,” he admitted. “It is a big step up but I’m more than confident I can make it.”
Hanson revealed knowing Chris Brandon, who also comes from Idle, had helped him settle in during his trial.
He said: “He comes into the Co-op and we always used to chat as he knew I played for Guiseley and he used to ask how I got on.
“It’s been a bonus knowing him and I’ve been getting a lift with him every morning as he only lives across the road.”
Hanson also paid tribute to Guiseley for helping him climb onto the Football League ladder.
He said: “Mark Ellis at Guiseley was good to me. He taught me a lot about movement, which I didn’t know about at Eccleshill.
“I thought it was a big jump going from Eccleshill to Guiseley but the coaching there has progressed me into a better player and now I am ready to make the step up again.”
Having been offered a new contract at Nethermoor, compensation will have to be agreed between City and Guiseley.
Hanson – who has been handed the No 17 shirt for his first year – is the second non-league player to sign for the Bantams in a week following the capture of centre half Steve Williams.
Meanwhile, defender Paul Arnison has had his contract terminated by mutual consent.
The right back had slipped down the pecking order due to the arrivals of Simon Ramsden and Jonathan Bateson.
He has been training with Darlington and is expected to sign for them when they exit administration next week.
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