Loan Duo Return to City Ahead of New Campaign

Lincoln City loan duo, Elicha Ahui and Freddie Draper have returned to the club following a successful loan spell with League of Ireland side Drogheda United.

Freddie made his debut for City away at Sheffield Wednesday under Michael Appleton in the 2020/21 season. He continued to play in the first team while we struggled with injury problems, ending up making eight League One appearances before suffering injuries of his own and falling behind the likes of John Marquis, Tom Hopper and Liam Cullen in the pecking order upon his return to fitness. He didn’t get as many chances under the management of Mark Kennedy early on, with the new manager putting his trust in, then club captain, Hopper and last season’s top goalscorer Ben House. The young striker did manage to get an opportunity in the cup competitions, playing a full ninety minutes in the FA Cup against Chippenham, and scoring his first Lincoln City goal against Newcastle Under 21’s side in the Papa John’s Trophy.

He left on loan to Drogheda in January and has impressed during his few months in Ireland. He made 22 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 8 goals and assisting three, during his time there, he was also named the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month for May, becoming the first Drogheda player to win the award since 2014, and the first teenager to win the award since 1999.

Elicha has had less first-team experience with the Imps, appearing just once for Kennedy’s side in the Papa John’s Trophy, playing very well and putting in an AllLincoln Man of the Match performance against Newcastle. The young right-back joined Drogheda along with Freddie and was just as impressive making twenty appearances in all competitions in claret and blue. The right-back scored once during his time at the club firing in the winner from close range in an away win to Derry City in April. The full-back also put in some impressive defensive performances, as well as contributing in the final third.

Drogheda manager, Kevin Doherty said: “I’d like to thank both players for their outstanding contribution to the club during their time with us. I must also thank Jez George, Director of Football and all at Lincoln City for their ongoing cooperation with us.”

The pair will likely be given a few days off before returning to pre-season, which started last Friday. Any further updates on Elicha, Freddie and other future transfer news will be available on the site.