Guiseley manager Steve Kittrick is delighted at the success being enjoyed by Capital One Cup hero James Hanson.

“I have been speaking to every man and his dog about James,” said the Lions boss yesterday, “but I am delighted for him.”

Hanson, who scored the header in Bradford City’s 2-1 semi-final, second-leg defeat at Villa Park on Tuesday and earned them a trip to Wembley next month 4-3 on aggregate.

The 6ft 4in striker - who was signed by former City chief Terry Dolan when he was in charge at Nethermoor - netted 46 times for the Lions in 67 matches.

Kittrick said: “He is a great header of the ball and his link-up play is good too but what people tend to forget is that James can also pass the ball and has a hard shot on him.

“He was a good player when he was with us and was prepared to work hard and listen to advice but I could tell when we played against him earlier this season in a pre-season friendly that he was more physical.

“But this is what you expect when you have come from working in Idle Co-op and training twice a week to training day in and day out.”

Kittrick added: “I didn’t see the first half on Tuesday because we were training but Phil Parkinson has done a marvellous job with City.

“I am delighted that they have got to Wembley because it is good for the area.”

Kittrick then added tongue in cheek: “If James had kept his eyes open he would have scored a second - but the defender in front of him just got a slight nick on the ball and altered its flight.

“Mind you if James had scored a second then someone would have signed him by now and that would have made us a very happy club!”

When Hanson signed for the Bantams for £7,500, plus a friendly between the clubs, the Lions negotiated a sell-on clause.

Meanwhile, Guiseley have signed defender Matt Wilson, who made 13 appearances for them last season while on loan from Alfreton Town.

He has since played for Boston United, and will be hoping to make his debut at home to Altrincham on Saturday if the weather relents. The Nethermoor pitch was still under snow yesterday.

The Lions have re-arranged their West Riding County Cup semi-final against Harrogate Railway, for next Tuesday.