Struggling League of Ireland side Drogheda United have secured a permanent deal for promising Lincoln City right-back Elicha Ahui in a much-needed boost for Kevin Doherty’s basement dwellers.
The Irish side currently have the worst defensive record in the Premier Division with 42 goals conceded in 22 matches.
Ahui returns to Weavers Park after spending the first half of 2023 with the club, making 20 top-flight appearances, becoming a fixture on the right side of defence and scoring the winner away to Derry City to secure a first win at the Brandywell for eight years.
Drogheda in League of Ireland Relegation Trouble
Former Liverpool youth player Doherty has his work cut out to ensure the Drogs extend their four-year stay in the top flight. They sit at the foot of the table at the time of writing and are on an eight-game winless run stretching back to the beginning of May.
The arrival of Douglas James-Taylor on loan from Walsall will boost their options in forward areas but with key defender Evan Weir set to return to Walsall, their leaky defence is set to become weaker.
A 5-1 defeat at Derry City followed on from a three-goal defeat in Galway and with little shown in the way of turning around their recent form, Doherty will need a strong transfer window to turn around the club’s fortunes.
The 44-year-old has admirably led Drogheda to 7th and 8th-placed finishes in 2022 and 2023 but may have his work cut out as they look levels below some of their competitors and with their nearest rivals Dundalk slowly building up form heading into the second half of the season, they may become cut adrift in the coming weeks if their business in the transfer window is not at the highest level.
Ahui Returning to the League of Ireland a Major Boost
The 20-year-old had loan spells at National League North side Peterborough Sports and Scottish Championship side Ayr United last season, forcing his way into the Ayr side after initially spending time on the bench. Ahui played in a variety of roles for Peterborough, highlighting his versatility which will be key for a Drogheda side lacking in squad depth.
Drogheda’s announcement of Ahui is now their third deal in the past week, with deals for James-Taylor and midfielder Shane Farrell from League of Ireland leaders Shelbourne.
Ahui’s first-team experience, despite just turning 21 this Decemeber, should see him slot straight into the starting line-up.
The arrivals of Farrell and James-Taylor strengthen each position but more signings are required as the quality in the sides above the relegation places, namely Boehmians and Sligo Rovers are still above the talent in the Drogheda squad. Scouting potential arrivals from League One is a prudent strategy that may continue to prove beneficial.
It is a massive few weeks for the club but they are off to a good start. Drogheda host league leaders Shelbourne this week before travelling to Dundalk in a relegation six-pointer the following week.