Things could have been quite different for Cameron Bragg if he hadn't come face-to-face with Tonda Eckert.
The Under-21 Head Coach, who would later become the first-team Head Coach, has not only saved Bragg's career but also catapulted it into the big time. He is a breakout player who offers the boss a completely different option in midfield. Bragg's range of passing enables Saints' wide players to receive the ball much higher up the pitch.
But, when Bragg speaks about where he was after his loan spell at Crawley under Rob Eliott, where he made just eight starts and four substitute appearances, it's obvious that his confidence was through the floor. It wasn't clear what would happen to him in the summer.
The plan for Bragg was unclear
“The plan in the summer was really unclear. It could have gone either way. I couldn't control all of that. I was disappointed after the window, but Tonda and the staff were unbelievable with me,“ Bragg told the official Southampton website.
“I just got my head down and focused on what was present and bright.“
“He [Eckert] gave me loads of responsibility, gave me loads of care, but also gave me loads of drive and hunger.“
Affectionately known as 'Braggy', the Southampton-born midfielder has excelled this season. Having made his breakthrough in the away win at Charlton Athletic (discounting the disaster that was Blackburn Rovers), where he controlled the midfield, Bragg has been itching for more first-team action.
But Eckert has been careful to manage Bragg's body as much as his expectations. After coming on as a late substitute in the first of three wins over Leicester City, Bragg was given another opportunity to impress as a starter away at Millwall. Although the result went against the Saints, Bragg had a decent game.
Easily the best player on the pitch in stalemate
A couple of substitute appearances over the Christmas period was scant reward for the impact he had when he was in the side, but Eckert showed he had not lost faith in Bragg when he named him in the starting eleven to face Millwall on New Year's Day.
Easily the best player on the pitch against Millwall, Bragg has shown that he can be relied on. When he scored his first goal for the Saints, away at Doncaster in the third round of the FA Cup, it was a reminder of just how far the young player has come.
Injury has kept Bragg out of contention, and the return of Shea Charles has made it even more difficult for him to get a run in the first team. But that will come.
With bids reportedly prepared for Caspar Jander and Oriol Romeu's contract being unlikely to be extended, Bragg's route to the starting eleven becomes clearer. He may even develop into a number ten and play in the Azaz role; his passing is good enough for that.
Bragg is aware of his own impatience and the importance of being ready to perform whenever the opportunity arises.
“I've got to stay really patient and humble, and every time I get the opportunity, I make sure I produce“