FORMER Bradford City forward James Hanson has announced his retirement - for a second time.

The Bantams legend initially called an end to his career in January, bringing the curtain down on a career that featured a memorable eight years in West Yorkshire.

Despite that, the former Co-op worker was lured out of retirement just two months later by non-league outfit Bradford (Park Avenue). However, even his know-how and experience within the game wasn't enough to keep the club afloat in the Northern Premier League Premier Division last term.

He committed to the club for the 2024/25 campaign but has now decided to leave football and focus on his off-field job.

Hanson said: “I just want to say a big thank you to the fans and everyone connected with the club; it wasn’t a decision I took lightly but it was a struggle to combine both jobs, and ultimately my job at Peckover Transport comes first now."

James Hanson (shooting) in action for AvenueJames Hanson (shooting) in action for Avenue (Image: John Rhodes)