Lewis Strapp returns to Annan on loan
Left-back Lewis Strapp has today completed a loan move that sees him rejoin League Two outfit Annan Athletic for the remainder of the season.
Dunoon defender Strapp spent the majority of first half of the campaign at Galabank, making seven starts and two substitute appearances before returning to Cappielow at the turn of the year.
Jonatan Johansson strongly considered keeping the 19-year-old at the club and included him on the bench for the recent win over Ross County but ultimately decided a return to Annan would be in the player’s best interests.
Speaking to media officer Jonathan Mitchell this afternoon, manager Johansson explained: “Lewis did really well for Annan and they wanted him to come back until the end of the season.
“I hesitated because I think he is a very good young player and I would be more than happy to have him here in my squad.
“But I don’t think he would start games at the moment, and for his development it’s important that he plays games. It would be wrong for me to have him here as back up and hinder his development.
“Annan are a good team fighting for promotion, for a play-off place, so it’s a good environment for Strappy to be in until the end of the season. We will be looking at his games and then making a decision on him for next year.”
Strapp follows Ben Armour out on loan, and Johansson added: “Dumbarton is a good environment for Ben as well. They are a good team with a good manager. I know Jim Duffy and he will take care of Ben really well.
“Ben is another who has been in the squad with me, on the bench with me, but hasn’t been getting game time, so for his development and for me to be able to see him in game situations, it is important that he goes on loan.
“Him and Strappy are two players who I like who I want to see play and see them do well and then make a decision for next season.
“And also you want to see these players succeed because they are good types. If you are a good trainer, a good professional, hard working … then I think you deserve to get a wee break.”
Image: Gary Bradley
