JAMES Hanson would love to see City join Sheffield United in the Championship.

Hanson comes face to face with his home-town club for the first time in today's televised collision at Bramall Lane.

And while the Blades are aiming to sign off their promotion campaign with 100 points, he is also desperate for the Bantams to follow them up through the play-offs.

Hanson told the T&A: "That would be the ideal scenario for me. You couldn't write it any better.

"Looking at it now, if Bolton go up in second with all the old staff and Bradford win the play-offs, it would be perfect all round.

"That would mean going back to Valley Parade next year in the Championship, which would be great."

City head for Bramall Lane on the back of six wins from their last eight games and Hanson is convinced they will be the strongest team going into the League One play-offs.

He said: "Nobody would like to play Bradford. Speaking to the boys at Sheffield, they still say Bradford are the best side they've played this year.

"We know how tight it is going to be today, regardless of where we both are in the league, because they are a good side.

"They've improved in January as well and made some good signings and there's no reason why they can't kick on.

"Second's probably gone for them but I think they are certain to be in the play-offs and I don't think anyone would fancy playing them there."

Hanson is yet to appear on a losing side since leaving City for the Blades in January in a deal that could end up being worth up to £250,000 with a promotion add-on and further clauses.

He has won nine and drawn three in his 12 appearances – but that record is still not as good as Wilsden-born defender Jake Wright.

Hanson said: "He hasn't lost all season – but I keep telling him his record should have gone a long time ago.

"We keep having a joke about the Bradford game. Bradford should have won that day if I hadn't sliced a chance at the front post.

"It's going to be weird playing against them but I'll enjoy it as well. The pressure is pretty much off for me and the Sheffield players.

"But the gaffer (Chris Wilder) still wants us to win all the remaining games and reach 100 points. He's a bit like Phil Parkinson in that he wants to make history all the time."

Hanson has also warned that strike partner Billy Sharp is aiming to continue his prolific scoring run against the Bantams.

Sharp has scored four times in Sheffield United's last three meetings with City, including two in the 3-3 thriller at Valley Parade in October.

League One's player of the year is the division's top scorer with 26 goals – but has gone seven games without scoring.

Hanson said: "Billy's a little bit like Nahki (Wells). It can be quite weird because some games he'll be really quiet and then pop up with big moments. That's what he's done all season.

"I know he's looking forward to the Bradford game because he always seems to score against them. He loves getting the stick and says it brings out the best in him."