New Grimsby Town signing James Hanson hopes he can score the goals which will see Michael Jolley’s side progress again in Sky Bet League Two 2019-20.
The 31-year-old striker signed on a two-year deal from League One side AFC Wimbledon earlier today.
And Hanson, who is 6ft4in, is now hoping to consistently score goals at Blundell Park – after he bagged 91 times for Bradford City between 2009 and 2017.
Speaking in his first interview as a Grimsby Town player, exclusively on iFollow Mariners, he said: “I’m delighted to be here. It was a good year down south, but my priority was always to get back up north, and I had to choose the right club.
“I felt this club was perfect for me – it’s going in the right direction under the gaffer.
“We all want to be competing at the top-end of League Two, and hopefully it can happen next year.
“I want to be a part of a successful team that the manager is trying to build. As I’m getting a bit older I want some success again, so I think I’ve come here for the right reasons.
“Last year was a bit stop-start, but I’d like to think when I was fit I played – I started a lot of games for Wimbledon when I was fit, so I’ll just keep fit, and try play 40 to 45 games this season.
“I don’t think there’s much of a difference between League One and League Two, but as you get older you gain valuable experience.
“But I’m looking forward to coming down to League Two and hopefully being part of a promotion push next year.
“I want to start scoring goals again, and maybe dropping down a level might help me do that, and I want to hit the ground running next season.”
And Hanson said he’s excited to work under manager Michael Jolley, who will take charge of his second full season as Town boss in 2019-20.
He said: “For me, it’s good to hear that he’s worked with the likes of Sam Vokes at Burnley, who’s similar to myself.
“He said he feels like he could get a lot out of me, and talking about the players who he’s trying to bring in, and the ones he’s already got here – it’s exciting.
“He came in and steadied the ship in his first season, and progressed again last year to mid-table.
“And now the next step is obviously trying to push into that top seven next year.
“The history of the club, and the gaffer – with it progressing year on year since he’s been here, I just want to be a part of a promotion push next year.
“And with the players he’s been talking about, and the lads who are already here, it seemed like a good blend.”
Watch James Hanson’s first interview as a Grimsby Town player for free exclusively on iFollow Mariners.
