Freddie Draper has returned to Lincoln City, following a successful loan spell at League Two side Walsall.
Draper has spent the majority of 2023 out on loan away from Sincil Bank, enjoying two successful spells. The first came in the League of Ireland with Drogheda United, where he scored 8 goals in 21 games. Draper was nominated for LOI Player of the Month in May, he scored 4 goals in that month, including the opener in a shock win away from home against reigning champions Shamrock Rovers. He won the POTM award, becoming the first Drogheda player to win the award since 2014.
He returned to the Imps, signing a new long term deal and once again departed on loan to League Two side Walsall. The striker has been a revelation since, scoring 10 goals in 21 games for the Saddlers, and gaining lots of national attention with his impressive form. The 19-year-old scored his first career hat-trick during the spell against Newport County, with his final goal coming in the 96th minute to rescue a point.
Rumours have been circulating over the past few weeks that a recall would happen, and it has. City have struggled for goals in recent weeks, with Reeco Hackett, Tyler Walker and Ben House all on the sideline injured. Imps head coach, Michael Skubala has been forced to use young prospect Jovon Makama as a number nine in recent weeks, and despite a good effort from the striker, help is needed in the final third.
Skubala will be hoping Draper can continue his impressive form, which doesn’t just include his goals. The striker has been noted for his physicality and game intelligence from his time at both Drogheda and Walsall. City currently lack goals and those attributes in attack. All the signs are positive, and hopefully Draper can have an impact for the Imps as they look for a win against Wycombe, after losing four consecutive games in League One.
City’s director of football Jez George said: “Freddie’s had an unbelievable 2023, scoring 18 goals and therefore, with our change of head coach, it was a no brainer to recall him.
“Freddie joined Walsall as an 18 year-old, so to establish himself as their No.9 and score 10 goals in half a season in just one league lower is a fantastic achievement and tells you everything about Freddie’s mentality and ability. Michael Skubala has watched him extensively and believes he has a big role to play for us in the second half of our season and beyond.
“Finally, I would like to thank Walsall, their ownership, staff, fans and in particular Mat Sadler for how they have backed Freddie throughout, from the moment they identified him as a target. Mat is an extremely talented young coach and clearly cares about his players and their development. We wish Mat and his team well at Southampton on Saturday and for the rest of their season.”