James Hanson cannot wait to be playing “local” football in League One.

City’s promotion is going to mean much less travelling as they leave behind some of the most southerly outposts.

Hanson said: “No disrespect to League Two but when you’ve got a load of treks down south to places like Torquay, Portsmouth and Plymouth, League One is a little bit easier in travelling distance.

“There are some big teams in there like Wolves, Sheffield United and Coventry. Preston’s another good local game.

“I’ve seen a lot of disappointment. The past three years we’ve been fighting relegation and only just survived in the last couple of games so I’m absolutely delighted.”

Hanson’s header opened the first-half floodgates as Northampton suffered in the same manner as City had done against Swansea three months earlier.

The big striker felt that experience of Wembley – however painful at the time – gave them a huge advantage over the Cobblers on Saturday.

“It helps once you’ve been there. You know how big the pitch is and we’ve got good wingers who play out and out.

“Thommo (Garry Thompson) and Reidy (Kyel Reid) got plenty of joy and we kept sliding balls down the side which made it hard for the likes of Clarke Carlisle to keep chasing.

“Northampton were a bit cagey but we got straight into it and blew them apart.

“It felt slow motion watching my goal go in. I just headed it back where it came from and the ball got there in the end!

“I’m delighted to get 15 for the season – that’s the highest I’ve got. That tops it off to score at one of the best stadiums in the world when all your friends and family are there. It’s a great feeling.”

And Hanson was able to enjoy the celebrations, even with his daughter Lexie’s blessing today.

“It isn’t until 2pm so I can still have a few beers with the lads!”