Tammy thanks JT for giving him a heads-up
ASTON VILLA have held discussions with Chelsea about Tammy Abraham’s loan situation – and are hoping the season-long agreement stands.
Reports emerged at the weekend suggesting Abraham’s parent club are considering a recall for the in-form striker in January, an option they can take up if they wish.
However, Villa assistant boss John Terry has spoken with officials at Stamford Bridge already this season, and head coach Dean Smith has also kept up to date with the situation.
Smith believes Abraham is enjoying his football, the extra work with Terry on the training field, and the challenge of getting Villa back into the Premier League.
He’s hoping the close links with the club will see Chelsea allow Abraham to stick around and continue his goalscoring spree. He already has 11 for the season and seven in his last four games.
Abraham has put his prolific scoring streak down to his new haircut.
He has the best goalscoring ratio in the Championship and said: “I’ve been working on my heading – you can tell by my new trim! I just wanted to try something new. The other day I had a header which went over the bar so I said ‘you know what, I am going to get a new trim’.
“I got one and scored two good headers (against Nottingham Forest). I will definitely be keeping it now. I love getting in the right areas. I couldn’t do it without the team.
“They create great chances for me and it is about keeping going, even if I miss a chance. I came here to score goals and help this team as much as possible.
“Teams will be looking at us and hopefully be scared. With the players we have here we will always create chances.”
Abraham has also credited with helping him improve his prowess.
“I have been working with John on heading and it paid off,” said the 21-year-old. “Hopefully I can keep getting in the right areas to keep scoring. It is a bit weird because I still see JT as a player. He is like a big brother to me. On Tuesday after training we spent an hour just working on my heading.
“It paid off so when I scored (against Forest) I dedicated the celebration to him. He has always supported me ever since a young age.
“The first time I went with the first team at Chelsea he put his arm around me and made me feel welcome and more comfortable. Coming here it is the same.”
Abraham says Terry has adapted well to his new role and was already Terry aerial hugely respected in the dressing room after being captain at Villa last season.
“It is nice to have him as the assistant manager,” he said. “He knows the boys well after playing here last season.’’
Yannick Bolasie, on loan from Everton, is beginning to make a real impact under Smith. He has started the last two matches and chipped in with two assists inside a week.
Worryingly for Championship defenders, the DR Congo international says there’s more to come from him.
“I’m enjoying it, that’s for sure,” he said. “It was my second start (at Middlesbrough) in a week.
“The build-up has been a bit slow. It’s been watched carefully and managed as well.
“That’s the main thing and being able to let me progress. I know there’s room for improvement. I’m getting there slowly, it’s just a matter of time.”