CONFIRMED James Hanson

[Ricky]

Even if we could afford a more expensive option, for what we want Hanson for we'd probably not bother getting one. His aerial dominance is quite unique, I've not seen any centre forward anywhere near as convincing at this level. It's not only about being tall and good at heading. He times it well and uses his body well.

 

[finlaytheblade]

Oh dear Fin. Hanson would be a bad signing from Wilder in my opinion, just because we are doing well in terms of table position doesn't mean we're not allowed to point out a likely mistake when we see one

It's possible you're right Barney but Wilder has done a good job and has earned the right to bring in any player he thinks will help us over the line.
There's no doubt he needs to change something as we are very wastefully in the last third.Hanson may not be the goalscorer we crave but he will certainly ruffle a few feathers in and around the penalty box which will create time and space for others.How come so many have lost faith in him already we are still top of the pile and Wilder is trying to make sure we stay there.

 

[Harry's Game]

Even if we could afford a more expensive option, for what we want Hanson for we'd probably not bother getting one. His aerial dominance is quite unique, I've not seen any centre forward anywhere near as convincing at this level. It's not only about being tall and good at heading. He times it well and uses his body well.

So why do 99% of the posts from Bradford fans say he is gash and they would pay him to leave?

It smacks of the first signs of desperation and self doubt from Wilder in what we have worked at all season.

If things need changing it's at the other end of the pitch.

 

[davidblade]

Bullshit

Any chance of a retraction?

 

[finlaytheblade]

Even if we could afford a more expensive option, for what we want Hanson for we'd probably not bother getting one. His aerial dominance is quite unique, I've not seen any centre forward anywhere near as convincing at this level. It's not only about being tall and good at heading. He times it well and uses his body well.

Wilder has said on the post match interview (wer,e not in for million £strikers )so he has to use his budget as he sees fit ,all these part time managers
think they no better than him.
I like most blade dont know much about Hanson but he always gives defenders a hard time just like chief did .we are all enjoying our new style of attacking football but are finding it increasingly difficult to put teams to bed ,throwing a big tough striker in there will shake it up a bit. Clark is 6 +
but he's not that type but he may profit from the space Hanson may create.

 

[Sneinton Blade 1952]

Maybe with Joe Riley sending high balls in from the wing, Hanson - feeding Billy and Leon - will be just what we need. Think we need to improve defence too though.

 

[South Bucks]

As David Attenborough would probably say "note how this fascinatingly tall creature with few ball skills rapidly evolved from the Portersaurus to the Higdonosaurus and eventually the Hansonosaurus before going extinct"

 

[BigBed]

I've watched a few clips of this guy as I haven't been sure where to stand with him, but, I think I'm beginning to understand this decision now.
I'm thinking that the process of thought is that this guy will win us the ball in the air, and ok, he might not score, although I've got a funny feeling he might partner sharp well and bag a few, but I can see him drawing defenders to him, leaving others free to collect the knock downs and hopefully gain the space to put it away!?
Just my chain of thought after abit of viewing.

 

[BigBed]

I think "Leon" will be playing at Bradford if Hanson signs.

 

[Bladesman]

As David Attenborough would probably say "note how this fascinatingly tall creature with few ball skills rapidly evolved from the Portersaurus to the Higdonosaurus and eventually the Hansonosaurus before going extinct"

Once also known as the Hendosaurus.

 

[GrayBlade]

Even if we could afford a more expensive option, for what we want Hanson for we'd probably not bother getting one. His aerial dominance is quite unique, I've not seen any centre forward anywhere near as convincing at this level. It's not only about being tall and good at heading. He times it well and uses his body well.

Are you warming to him signing then Ricky?

 

[Bladesman]

 

[Ricky]

Are you warming to him signing then Ricky?

Never said I was against it if Clarke was leaving and we'd still be bringing in another attacking player.

 

[Skiliman]

When you have players like Duffy and Fleck in your side, Hanson would be brilliant in my opinion. I also think he would bring Sharp into play alot more than any other pairing we've had so far this year

 

[Treeton Blade]

A signing to get us over the line IMO.

Always hated him against us, wins every header, decent on the deck.
Bradford fans who are slagging him, are doing so cos they don't want him to leave.
I remember the heroes welcome when he came back against us after injury.

A good signing, in Wilder we trust.

 

[Newbury Blade]

So why do 99% of the posts from Bradford fans say he is gash and they would pay him to leave?

It smacks of the first signs of desperation and self doubt from Wilder in what we have worked at all season.

If things need changing it's at the other end of the pitch.

Coventry fans said the same about Fleck. Who do you trust - Wilder or other clubs' dimwitted fans?

 

[Harry's Game]

Coventry fans said the same about Fleck. Who do you trust - Wilder or other clubs' dimwitted fans?

A split in the civil war breaking out between the fans at basket case club Coventry is not a totally convincing case for your argument. It still seems to be about 70-30 in Flecks favour from the Cov fans even taking all that into account.

Bearing in mind Bradford are a comfortable top eight side and it's about 90 - 10 in favour of wanting him to go and never darken their door again, it does not fill me with much confidence.

 

[sitwell]

A split in the civil war breaking out between the fans at basket case club Coventry is not a totally convincing case for your argument. It still seems to be about 70-30 in Flecks favour from the Cov fans even taking all that into account.

Bearing in mind Bradford are a comfortable top eight side and it's about 90 - 10 in favour of wanting him to go and never darken their door again, it does not fill me with much confidence.

Why do you keep making these figures up ,its a bit sad really.

 

[sitwell]

Well you say 'every manager' but he's virtually only ever played under Parkinson anyway, hasn't he? He suited Parkinson's style down to the ground and it worked for him, particularly when Wells was there. However, now city play it on the deck, he has been ineffective and is no longer in the starting line up because of it. If you are a City fan, you must realise that as soon as Hanson plays you go route 1, because it's the only way he can have any effect. He is too slow and ponderous on the ball to be able to suit your current style.

So you know better than a Bradford season ticket holder because you live in a flat in Bradford ,quality.

 

[grafikhaus]

I've always dreaded him playing against us to be honest, I've no idea why some are so negative when it's so obvious that we've needed a player like him for a while.

I'm sure a lot of us would have said the same about Clarke?

We need players to help us get out of LEAGUE ONE, not the Championship, and he's more than proven at this level.

We also need to sign players for this season. Worry about the championship when we are actually in the championship

Don't agree. With this season running down, all signings should have one eye on the Championship. As we saw again yesterday, a major re-building of this squad will be needed if we are to survive in the Championship. Hanson's 77 goals in 283 appearances would suggest he's no more than 'OK' at this level. In the Championship? No chance. I'd suggest Hanson would be no more than 'useful backup in an injury crisis'. That's fine if the money add up, but as the foil to Billy? Nope.

 

[Razor1967]

Bradford fan friend of mine says it's a done deal, he's passed a medical and the fee is £200K. He's sorry to see him go. He says they play better football without him but he creates space for others and gives them a different option. At Bradford against us this season he did exactly this.

 

[Torrix1889]

It was painfully obvious we don't have enough in the final third yesterday...significant possession, countless opportunities but no end product....I like Lavery but he shows no signs of potentially being prolific....Billy goes wide to try and create space but there's no-one filling it....the midfielders sit too deep, (Fleck and Coutts, not so much Duffy but he's usually out wide trying to link up with Billy) instead of taking a chance and getting in the box....therefore when we do get the ball out wide there are not many options in the middle so it goes backwards and then sideways across the box, it happens every game.

Plan B at the moment is to stick EEL up top...but that leaves us vulnerable at the back......in fact it completely backfired yesterday as when EEL went up in the last 5 we barely had an attack.

OK...James Hanson isn't the most glamorous or exciting of signings but to perform a specific role I can see what Wilder is thinking. It's worked before....The Chief....HMS....even Henderson and Porter to a certain extent.

One thing I do like is that Wilder isn't afraid to hold his hands up, admit he's got a player wrong, (Clarke) and change things.

 

[Cerberus Blade]

Seems like some twitter nonsense imo . See below

The reason I think it's nonsense is because CW's interview earlier suggests any business is likely to be towards the end of the window. So having a medical tonight doesn't quite fit





Andrew Leonard ‏@arl190164 54m54 minutes ago

@Trueblade16 @wardychris1972 @blades1918 heard wot you lot... just heard we are signing Hanson from Bradford

1 reply 1 retweet 0 likes

• chris ward ‏@wardychris1972 52m52 minutes ago

@arl190164 @Trueblade16 @blades1918 Rather sign the mmm bop version

3 replies 0 retweets 1 like




Andrew Leonard ‏@arl190164

@wardychris1972 @Trueblade16 @blades1918 having a medical tonight just been told ..

Can't be true! Doctors don't work evenings and weekends.

 

[Cerberus Blade]

Why would we sign a donkey of the highest order? Sooner play Clarke (cough) than Hansen.

So you can't see a reason why we would need a big physical centre forward who can win the ball in the air and hold up play then?

Ok.

Hee-haw!

 

[Cerberus Blade]

He would certainly be a different option from the bench i.e. a battering ram but does he offer anything Clarke doesn't and is way behind Clarke in lots of other areas.

Just look at your first sentence again...

You say that he would offer something different - then in the next breath you say that he doesn't offer anything different to Clarke. Which is it pal? Does he offer something different or not? I'll answer it for you. He does.

He'll be a big physical threat, which Clarke isn't. He'll be better in the air than Clarke. And he'll hold up play and bring other in better than Clarke.

How about that? Fancy some of it do yer? I do. I don't give a toss that he can't run or dribble. That's not what we are missing from the side right now.

 

[blader]

So you know better than a Bradford season ticket holder because you live in a flat in Bradford ,quality.

No, because a I live WITH a Bradford season ticket holder. I don't know why I'm trying to prove myself, so pointless, but anyway.... look, I'm born and raised in Bradford. All my mates are Bradford fans, everyone I work with is a Bradford fan, pretty much everyone I know is! (With the odd Leeds thrown in for good measure). Any football chat I am part of is about premier league or Bradford. So don't patronise my statements by changing what I said.

If ever Hanson's name is announced in the startzing line up, it is met with groans and comments along the lines of 'well that'll be our midfielders out for 2 weeks with neck ache' and the like. You know what. I have only see Bradford once this year (I usually go to a few a season on my mates flexi card) and I aren't claiming this is first hand information. However, I trust people that go to every game and they know what they're on about. Based on that, I know that Bradford go long ball when hanson plays. That's my big issue. I like to think we're going away from that and I don't want a player that forces us to play long ball because they aren't good for anything else. It must also be added that Hanson has been there for a lot of years. This isn't a small sample size. City fans will have a good grasp of him by now. I just really don't like the idea of us signing a 30 year old clogger, I thought they were a thing of the past for our club.

 

[Cerberus Blade]

James Hanson is by far the best header of a ball in our division ,he would be a great acquisition especially if we have to change our approach to a game ,we have the players to deliver a ball to him and the players to play off him ,Bradford don't yet he still always looks their best player when we play them. Would love him here.

Thank God. We have someone at last who knows their football and can see past all this stupid negativity about Hanson. He'll be a great signing for us and help us out of this division. After that...who cares?

 

[Cerberus Blade]

No, because a I live WITH a Bradford season ticket holder. I don't know why I'm trying to prove myself, so pointless, but anyway.... look, I'm born and raised in Bradford. All my mates are Bradford fans, everyone I work with is a Bradford fan, pretty much everyone I know is! (With the odd Leeds thrown in for good measure). Any football chat I am part of is about premier league or Bradford. So don't patronise my statements by changing what I said.

If ever Hanson's name is announced in the startzing line up, it is met with groans and comments along the lines of 'well that'll be our midfielders out for 2 weeks with neck ache' and the like. You know what. I have only see Bradford once this year (I usually go to a few a season on my mates flexi card) and I aren't claiming this is first hand information. However, I trust people that go to every game and they know what they're on about. Based on that, I know that Bradford go long ball when hanson plays. That's my big issue. I like to think we're going away from that and I don't want a player that forces us to play long ball because they aren't good for anything else. It must also be added that Hanson has been there for a lot of years. This isn't a small sample size. City fans will have a good grasp of him by now. I just really don't like the idea of us signing a 30 year old clogger, I thought they were a thing of the past for our club.

Not doubting your credentials Sir, or your source of knowledge, but, whose fault is it when a team goes "long ball" to accommodate a big centre forward? (We used to do the same when we had Henderson in the side). Is it the centre forward's fault? (As you seem to infer) or is it the fault of the manager and players around him, who change the way they play?

I'd say that's all down to the manager and his tactics. Not the player himself. Now, if you could possibly entertain that thought for a moment, then why would that reflect negatively on the player? And what makes you so sure that if he joined us we'd abandon all the lovely quick passing football that we've seen from the team this season and just go route 1 instead? It's almost like you are suggesting this is inevitable - and it's not.

I'd put it to you that we wouldn't change our style at all. But, I'd also expect that the sheer size, aerial threat and physical presence of this guy in our team would create a totally different dimension to our attack. Look, Billy Sharp, love him to bits, BUT, half the time he's not in the game because he's a poacher in the traditional sense and needs someone to do the dirty physical stuff and create opportunities for him to exploit in the box. Can you not see the potential in having a big tough guy like Hanson, occupying the attention of the other team's centre halves and leaving gaps for Billy to operate in? Can't you see that?

You refer to Hanson as "a clogger". He is. Most definitely. I've often thought that about him. He's a big tough so and so who doesn't take any prisoners. Excellent! Yes, I'd prefer someone more in the Ronaldo or Messi mode myself, but not for where we are right now. I'd absolutely love a clogger to put the cat amongst the pigeons and turn games like the one we had yesterday, into wins.

All that bloody possession we have but no cutting edge in the box because we don't have a big hard clogger that is going to make defenders crap themselves when the ball comes flying in.

Each to their own - but I'm afraid you're another one on here who just doesn't seem capable of understanding why Hanson would be a good signing. Thank God our manager does. Can't wait tbh! It will transform the team.

 

[Bladezz]

I keep reading that he's a donkey who doesnt score. Has anyone actually looked at his record?

All in league one:

13/14 season. Played 37 scored 12
14/15 season. Played 48 scored 11
15/16 season. Played 47 scored 13
This season. Played 20 scored 4

We are blessed with Billy Sharp and we expect we can find another one of these without. Without significant investment we won't be getting one. A striker who gets 12 a season etc especially as a target man who's actually very mobile (as seen at VP this season against us).

A quick look on the Bradford city message board, they say how effective he is bringing others into the game, defending and attacking set plays etc etc. They say this year he's a scapegoat and even his family been brought into the mess.

 

[blader]

Not doubting your credentials Sir, or your source of knowledge, but, whose fault is it when a team goes "long ball" to accommodate a big centre forward? (We used to do the same when we had Henderson in the side). Is it the centre forward's fault? (As you seem to infer) or is it the fault of the manager and players around him, who change the way they play?

I'd say that's all down to the manager and his tactics. Not the player himself. Now, if you could possibly entertain that thought for a moment, then why would that reflect negatively on the player? And what makes you so sure that if he joined us we'd abandon all the lovely quick passing football that we've seen from the team this season and just go route 1 instead? It's almost like you are suggesting this is inevitable - and it's not.

I'd put it to you that we wouldn't change our style at all. But, I'd also expect that the sheer size, aerial threat and physical presence of this guy in our team would create a totally different dimension to our attack. Look, Billy Sharp, love him to bits, BUT, half the time he's not in the game because he's a poacher in the traditional sense and needs someone to do the dirty physical stuff and create opportunities for him to exploit in the box. Can you not see the potential in having a big tough guy like Hanson, occupying the attention of the other team's centre halves and leaving gaps for Billy to operate in? Can't you see that?

You refer to Hanson as "a clogger". He is. Most definitely. I've often thought that about him. He's a big tough so and so who doesn't take any prisoners. Excellent! Yes, I'd prefer someone more in the Ronaldo or Messi mode myself, but not for where we are right now. I'd absolutely love a clogger to put the cat amongst the pigeons and turn games like the one we had yesterday, into wins.

All that bloody possession we have but no cutting edge in the box because we don't have a big hard clogger that is going to make defenders crap themselves when the ball comes flying in.

Each to their own - but I'm afraid you're another one on here who just doesn't seem capable of understanding why Hanson would be a good signing. Thank God our manager does. Can't wait tbh! It will transform the team.

Firstly, you say 'no one is doubting your credentials' whereas actually that's EXACTLY what Sitwell is doing! So I needed to clear that up!

Couple of things. Often, you're right, tactics come from the manager. However, I can confirm that there is no other option with Hanson. He is simply a poor footballer. He is a good header of the ball but a really poor footballer. He has only ever been a success when playing in a long ball side with Nakhi Wells... a la Warnock'a big man, little man mould.

Hanson can do a job last 10 mins when you're chasing a game and I've said this since my first post on the subject. However, there are other players of a similar mould that are younger and more prolific in L1 and L2 that would jump at the chance to join us. Hanson is Bradford's largest earner (by some distance apparently) so he won't be a cheap option. Why get a guy in on such a large wage just to he a bench player? Any player we sign in Jan should improve the first 11 IMO, not as an 'extra option'. He won't be a starter, and god help us if he is. When you look on the face of it, he is a 30 year old non-scoring striker on a big wage who is definitely not capable at playing at a higher level, there's not a lot going for him. The other issue ofcourse is that it is VITAL that, for Hanson, he needs a quick man alongside him. Considering that his partner would certainly be Billy, that's not going To happen. I could understand Parkinson signing him for Bolton, as I think he would suit them OK, but just dont see it for Blades. I am, however, more open to this transfer if it means we get rid of
Clarke the other way! I can confirm this is the worst possible outcome for City fans! They're personally attacking me at the idea we would flog them Clarke! Don't think I've got too much of a say in it.