Exclusive: Lincoln City Make Decision Over Loanee’s Future

Lincoln City are set to recall forward Freddie Draper from his loan spell at League Two Walsall, sources have informed Look Sports Media.

The Imps are in the midst of an attacking injury crisis having lost star strikers Tyler Walker and Ben House to long term injuries earlier in the season, with summer signing Reeco Hackett also on the sidelines. New manager Michael Skubala has been forced to rely on loanee Jack Vale and academy graduate Jovon Makama who have struggled for form since coming into the side. 

Draper joined the Sadlers on loan in the summer and has continued the excellent form that made him a fan favourite at Drogheda United earlier in the year. He has ten League goals in 20 appearances, with three assists. 

Michael Skubala’s side didn’t record a victory in December, with their last win coming against Cambridge United on the 28th November. They have since recorded four defeats and two draws. 

Walsall have struggled for periods this season, but recorded impressive victories over Notts County, Wrexham, Tranmere Rovers and Crewe Alexandra in December with their only defeat coming at the hands of Accrington Stanley. 

The youngster starts for Matt Sadler’s side in today’s fixture against Grimsby Town, in what could be his final game for the club. 

Writer’s View

It must have been a really difficult decision to bring him back on loan. Sadler and Walsall have been superb for his development, but, with Lincoln facing such a huge injury crisis it was a decision that had to be made. The club could have signed another player permanently, and had them on the books at the end of the season when Walker and house return, or they could roll the dice in the loan market and potentially end up with a player who isn’t quite ready. In Freddie they have a player who is already showing that he can score goals at League Two level, that knows the club and is already an Imp… if he wasn’t a Lincoln player already, I suspect fans would be lauding it as a real quality signing!