CITY look set to ditch the diamond this season – and James Hanson could not be happier.

Saturday’s opening pre-season game at Farsley was the first indication that Phil Parkinson will be reverting to a flat midfield four with two wingers.

That’s music to the ears of Hanson, who can look forward to going back to what he believes he does best – rampaging down the middle and getting on the end of crosses coming in from the flanks.

With the use of an attacking midfielder “in the hole” behind the front two, Hanson often drifted out wide.

It worked to brilliant effect against Chelsea where he terrorised young Danish right back Andreas Christensen but there were other occasions when City could have done with Hanson’s threat in where it matters.

Interestingly, Millwall had offered the carrot of playing in a 4-4-2 again if he moved to The Den. That naturally appealed to Hanson but not as much as the prospect of doing it for the Bantams – something that Parkinson has promised him.

Hanson said: “When I was talking to Millwall, a major factor (in their favour) was when they told me they didn’t want me playing out wide.

“They wanted me down the middle playing off the little man with two wingers either side. I was obviously interested in that.

“But when I spoke to the gaffer here, he made it clear he wanted me back down the middle again with two wide men.

“That’s where I know I play best. If the crosses come in, I’m eager to get on the end of them.”

Hanson demonstrated that once again with his two headers at Farsley on Saturday, converting crosses from Filipe Morais and trialist Sanchez Watt.

He was a bit miffed not to make it a hat-trick in a 45-minute run-out but a third thumping effort was tipped away by home keeper Tom Taylor.

But it was a reassuring sight to see him back on the goal trail, even if only in a pre-season friendly environment.

“It’s always nice to get off the mark,” he added. “Last pre-season I didn’t score at all.

“Those type of games can be a tough test. Teams like that try to get in your face and don’t allow time on the ball but I thought we created a lot of chances.

“I was a bit frustrated at the same time because I could have had five. But it would be nice to go into the season full of confidence with a few goals under my belt.

“I know I keep saying it every year but this season I just want to be as fit as I can. If I can do that, I will score goals.

“I know I’ve got a good fan base and I want to repay them on the pitch. There would be no better start than scoring at Swindon away and helping us win the first game.”

Hanson has been impressed by the calibre of recruit during the off-season and expects more on the way.

“At the moment I still think we’re a couple of players short. But the ones the gaffer has brought in look very good.

“You see that with someone like Josh Morris, who can pick a pass. I think gaffer has invested well in the team and I’m sure we’ll be up there again this season.”