The Hereford manager Paul Caddis has moved to bolster his attacking options by signing the Kidderminster Harriers forward Ethan Freemantle on a three-month loan.
Introducing Ethan Freemantle
With such an interesting name, you’d expect our new loan striker to be familiar with the West Coast of Australia. Sadly, the truth is less interesting. Ethan was born in Coventry. He has two brothers Ben and Luke. He was probably spotted when playing for Coventry Boys in ESFA competitions. He joined Walsall Academy but failed to make the grade and was released in the summer of 2018 to join Coventry United. He joined Harriers a year later at the age of 19. A little mature to be claimed as an Academy graduate but that’s what the Harriers have done. Freemantle signed professional forms in January 2020.
He started this season on loan to our “local rivals” Gloucester. He scored only once in his 250 -minute loan spell for the Tigers (though that says may more about Gloucester). Ethan came off the bench 7 times and started twice. Perhaps not the volume of game time that Harriers anticipated.
I wonder why his parent club don’t want him back when they have the worst scoring record in Step One.? At 23, his “potential” days are over. That’s probably because he’s never been prolific in Harriers colours with 12 goals in 86 matches. He has improved from his dismal record of only once finding the net in his first 21 appearances. His first ever senior goat at home was as recent as August 2021 v Blyth. In Harriers’ FA Cup run, he won the penalty which knocked Grimsby Town out and came off the bench v Reading. He wasn’t included against West Ham.
Ethan has another job. Predictably, he’s a football coach with the largest private academy in Coventry. His KHFC interviews suggests that he’s both articulate and likeable so coaching will suit him.
Ethan knows Step 2. He is a match fit specialist forward. Known to be a hard worker. And he’s available and local. We will struggle to find a better option so let’s be grateful. And relieved because our lack of seasoned specialist strikers was really hurting. It’s in Freemantle’s interest to give us everything he possibly has during his 3-month stay because he’s trying to impress two clubs at the same time. We wish him all the best.
He could make his Bulls’ debut in the National League North match against Bishop’s Stortford tomorrow, and has been made available for the FA Cup clash against Cambridge City next Saturday.
Bishop's Stortford (ticketco.events)
Cambridge City (ticketco.events)
Simon Wright
