Drogheda United are delighted to announce the double signing of Elicha Ahui and Freddie Draper on loan from Lincoln City.
Ahui, who can play both in defence and in midfield, joined Lincoln on their Shadow Scholar programme, after previously playing for Nottingham Forest.
The 18-year-old had a spell on loan at Gainsborough Trinity during the 2021/22 season and signed his first professional contract with Lincoln in March 2022.
Ahui made his senior debut for Lincoln City in a Papa John’s Trophy win over Newcastle United in October, picking up the Man of the Match award for his performance against the Magpies.
“I can play right back or centre midfield. I’d say I’m attacking, strong, fast but good defensively aswell.
“I’m very excited, it’s a great opportunity. I’ve heard good things from Sam and Sean, and everyone at Lincoln, and I’m really happy to be here. I know it’s a good standard here, and hopefully it’ll challenge me and I’ll be able to help the team out aswell,” Ahui said.
Draper joined Lincoln in 2020 as a first-year scholar from Derby County before signing his first professional deal with the Imps in July 2021.
He made his senior debut for Lincoln in October 2021, as a substitute in a 1-1 draw away to Sheffield Wednesday.
The forward made a further 8 appearances for Lincoln in 2021, in both League One and the FA Cup before joining Gainsborough Trinity on loan, where he scored on his debut against FC United of Manchester.
Draper had an extended spell on the sideline at the beginning of the 2022/23 season, due to a shoulder injury but returned to fitness in October.
The 18-year-old netted his first senior goal for the club in the 2-0 Papa John’s Trophy win against Newcastle in October.
“I’d say I’m a bit more like an old-fashioned number nine. I hold the ball up, make runs in behind but I like to link up play, bring others in and score goals.
“It’s a great opportunity. I was speaking to Sam and Sean and they only had good things to say about the club and the league. I’m really excited and can’t wait to get started.
“Last year, I got a bit of action with Lincoln, played in League One. I want to play as many games and score as many goals as I can here,” Draper said.
Manager Kevin Doherty has watched both players play in recent months, and expressed his delight at the completion of the deal.
“Jez George, the Director of Football at Lincoln, has been fantastic to deal with over the last couple of years, with Sean and Sam, and now with Freddie and Elicha.
“I’m delighted to have both Freddie and Elicha join the club. They are two excellent players, I’ve watched a lot of their games.
“I saw both of them play against Newcastle in the EFL Trophy this season and was really impressed by them both. Elicha was excellent and got Man of the Match, and Freddie scored in that game. They’ve both been on loan at Gainsborough aswell and played plenty of games there.
“They’ll be well looked after. Having Sean and Sam on loan last year was very beneficial for all parties involved and we’re confident that this will be the same,” manager Kevin Doherty said.
