Lincoln City Striker Makes Move To League Two Club

Promising Lincoln City striker Freddie Draper has joined League Two Walsall on loan until the end of the season as well as signing a long-term deal at his parent club, as confirme

The Lincoln City forward was a notable absentee from the squad for the Imps’ friendly with Stockport County in Spain today as the two sides drew 1-1 at the Pinatar Arena. BBC journalist Michael Hortin had suggested on Twitter that a loan move was likely, with the club in the market for a striker to compete with current starting option Ben House.

The signing will be Walsall’s sixth to date and looks set to continue their show of intention to challenge towards the top end of the League two table. The club have already confirmed the return of Danny Johnson as well as swooping for Swindon Town target Priestley Farquharson.

Who is Freddie Draper?

Draper, 18, joins Stockport County off the back of a purple patch for Drogheda United, impressing with his goal scoring exploits which resulted in a Player Of The Month Award. He was recalled to his parent club, due to the League Of Ireland running until November of this year, meaning he would be unable to play or sign for another club from November to January had he stayed.

The youngster is highly thought of at The Imps and is believed to be part of a long term plan to place him in the first team at Sincil Bank. He played a vital role, playing on eight occasions in League One whilst an injury crisis hit former manager Michael Appleton’s forward options. He also had a brief spell at Gainsborough Trinity.

As an Imps fan I’m a huge admirer of Freddie, he’s got talent in abundance and frightening potential. This move suits him perfectly, he’s performed in the League of Ireland, can he do it in the EFL against high quality defenders in a team that are hopeful that they can push up the table? Hopefully he again shows what he can do, comes back to Sincil Bank and becomes the hair apparent to Ben House when he eventually moves on.