James Hanson aims to crack the top 20 this season after admitting he was gutted not to do it last time.

Hanson finished his debut term in the professional ranks as City’s top scorer and player of the year.

It was a memorable start for the former Guiseley striker – but he still feels he should have done better. Now he has targeted a much bigger goal haul to spearhead Peter Taylor’s promotion push.

“A lot of people would be happy with getting 13 goals last season but I wasn’t,” said Hanson.

“I did miss some games at the end through injury but I think back to the chances I had and I should have been on 20 at least.

“Hopefully I can get there this season – that’s what my target will be.”

Hanson was straight back on the scoresheet in pre-season, scoring in the opening friendlies at Eccleshill and North Ferriby – his first games since suffering a hamstring injury against Bournemouth at Easter.

But he turned over his ankle in the Ashford Town game during the southern tour and only returned for a 45-minute stint in the final warm-up game at home to Bradford Park Avenue on Tuesday.

Having recently signed a new long-term deal tying him down to Valley Parade until 2014, Hanson is preparing to face greater scrutiny from League Two defenders – but the targetman will not be resting on his laurels.

He said: “I’m grateful to Bradford for giving me the chance and I want to repay them now for backing me. I’m sure it is the same with all the lads who have got contracts this summer.

“But I don’t want to just sit on a four-year deal thinking that I’ve made it. It’s not just about having a longer contract. I’m still going out there trying to score goals every week and that’s when it’s better for everyone.”

SIMON PARKER