‘I want to be number one’ says new Alfreton ‘keeper

Draper, aged 21, has been back-up keeper at Lincoln City, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and last season at Grimsby Town.

However, after impressing in the recent trial game held at Shirebrook and then being invited to play in the pre-season games against Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United, Draper took up the club’s offer of a one-year contract at the Impact Arena.

“I was really impressed with the trial game and thought I did well,” said Draper.

“We then trained on the Thursday and I was impressed with the whole set-up and thought if I can get myself in here it will be great, everything is well-run and it is good to be looked after.

“Having been number two everywhere I have been so far, I am now seriously looking to make the number one position my own at Alfreton.

“That’s the plan and I just want to crack on and can’t wait for the new season to start.”

He was with Lincoln City’s youth set-up from 16 to 18 before signing a professional contract for a season.

Ironically, Draper made his senior debut for Lincoln against Alfreton at the age of 17 in 2011, in an FA Cup tie. He was then released at the end of that season before earning a contract with Scottish Premier Division side Inverness Caledonian Thistle for a season.

After his release from Thistle, he moved backto England to join his home town club Grimsby Town in October 2014.