James Robert Hanson (born 9 November 1987) is an English former professional footballer who played as a striker.

[8] Hanson signed his first professional contract with Bradford City in July 2009,[9] with his transfer fee set by a tribunal hearing six months later at a figure close to £7,500, a sell-on clause and the agreement of a friendly between the two sides.

[11] Hanson made his debut for Bradford on the opening day of the 2009–10 season, on 8 August 2009, in a 5–0 defeat against Notts County.

[19] In October 2012, teammate Andrew Davies stated his belief that Hanson's goals would help the club achieve promotion.

[29][30] In the Final at Wembley, Hanson scored in a 3–0 victory against Northampton Town,[31] and later spoke about how he was looking forward to playing in a higher division.

[32] Ahead of the 2013–14 season, Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson said that only a high-money bid would persuade the club to sell either Hanson and fellow striker Nahki Wells.

[35] Wells has also publicly praised his strike partnership with Hanson,[36] as has journalist Simon Parker, who described them as "[one of] the best front pairs that League One has to offer.

[42] In December 2013 fellow Bradford City player Andrew Davies described Wells and Hanson as the best strike pair in the division.

[47] That same month Hanson was revealed as the player in 3 divisions of the Football League who had committed the most fouls in the 2013–14 season to date; he was defended by manager Phil Parkinson.

[11] Ahead of the 2014–15 season the club implemented new a playing style and match tactics, and Hanson stated he was looking forward to showing that he was able to adapt to it.

[54] In August 2014, after scoring five goals in the season to date, Hanson entered the club's top ten all-time scorer list.

[56] In December 2014, following his return from injury, Hanson was kept out of the starting line-up by Jon Stead and Billy Clarke.

[59] Following Bradford City's shock victory in the FA Cup over Chelsea, Hanson was praised by their captain John Terry.

[64] Despite the rejection, Millwall stated they were still interested in signing Hanson,[65] and Bradford City turned down a second bid a few weeks later.

[66] Bradford City delayed any possible transfer while they searched for a replacement,[67] although Hanson later stated he wished to remain at the club.

[70] At the start of the 2015–16 season, Hanson discussed his striker partnership with new summer signing Devante Cole.

[72] After an injury to his replacement Steve Davies, Hanson returned to the first-team later that month,[73] scoring in his first game back in the starting XI.

[87] In August 2017 and November 2017 he was linked with a return to Bradford City, although the club's manager Stuart McCall dismissed the rumours.