Lincoln City have opted to recall striker Freddie Draper from his season-long loan at Walsall following his excellent first half of the season.
The Imps have struggled in front of goal in recent weeks, scoring just three times in their last seven outings in all competitions, with one of those coming in the way of an own goal. This is thanks in part to their limited attacking options following long-term injuries to Ben House and Tyler Walker, who have both been out of action since September.
There has also been a managerial change to contend with after Mark Kennedy was sacked in October, eventually replaced by Michael Skubala a month later. A range of injuries and suspensions has seen the former Leeds United under-21 boss struggle to string together a run of form and their last victory came against Cambridge United on November 28th.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Draper has been enjoying his time at League Two’s Walsall, scoring 10 goals in 21 league appearances for the Saddlers. This prompted speculation that Lincoln would look to recall the academy graduate early, with Skubala addressing the situation at the end of last month:
“We’ve been speaking to Walsall. He’s scored 10 goals in League Two and could be one of the options.
“I like Freddie. I’ve spoken to Freddie myself. I like what he’s about. I think he can add to us.
“I think you’re probably going to see Freddie, maybe, come back into the building if we think it’s completely right.”
The attacker caused a scare on New Year’s Day when he was withdrawn in the first half of Walsall‘s 6-1 win over Grimsby Town, although no update has been given as of yet.
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Speaking to official club media upon the announcement, Lincoln 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.”
Draper already has 12 appearances for the East Midlands’ outfit after making his debut in 2021, and fans will be hoping to see him in action in the Imps’ next outing against Wycombe Wanderers on January 13th.
Writer’s View
It was inevitable that Lincoln would recall Draper this month, especially after his form at Walsall. Skubabla is desperately short of attacking options and the club also made the decision to send Jack Vale back to Blackburn Rovers earlier today.
Jack Moylan’s transfer from Shelbourne was finally confirmed yesterday and all of a sudden, Lincoln look a different prospect going forward to what they have done in recent weeks, where they have recorded four successive defeats. Whether the pair can make the kind of impact they did at their previous clubs remains to be seen.
Head of Writing
