CITY icon James Hanson has returned to non-league and joined Farsley.

Hanson was released by Grimsby after they were relegated from the EFL.

The 33-year-old, who ranks third in City’s all-time goalscoring list with 90, wanted to join a club nearer his roots.

Speaking to Farsley’s club website, Hanson said: “As you get a bit older, you’re looking for something closer to home.

“The last three or four years I’ve been doing long drives every day, which hasn’t helped with injuries.

“I made the decision in the summer that I wanted somewhere within an hour from home.

“We worked on a couple of other things but this fitted perfectly. I knew the assistant Bettsy (Mark Bett) really well and three or four players anyway.

“I really enjoyed the gaffer’s ideas, the way he is with the squad and the team spirit he likes to build. You could tell there’s a really good chance of a good season.”

Hanson scored in the 2013 play-off final against Northampton – as well as the iconic header at Villa Park which earned City’s first trip to Wembley in the Capital One Cup.

He left Valley Parade for Sheffield United in January 2017 but injuries have restricted his appearances since for Bury, Wimbledon and Grimsby.

He has been training with the Celts in recent weeks.

Hanson added: “I’ve had highs and lows as many footballers do. I haven’t enjoyed the last couple of years at Wimbledon and Grimsby because we’ve been fighting relegation.

“I’ve come here for a different challenge. I want to compete at the right end of the table and end my career well.

“I want some more promotions and this is what I’m hoping to do.”