TWO different extremes within the last 18 months have helped Saints talent Barnaby Williams to realise just how quickly things can change.
The 19 year old became the latest academy youngster to make his senior debut earlier this month, in the 3-1 win against Sheffield Wednesday.
Having dreamt of playing for Saints since he was a young boy in the Bath academy, Williams was thrust into an entire second half at St Mary's.
With a slender one-goal lead and more than 27,000 fans in the stadium - most baying for only a second home win in a year - it was no cream tea.
But it was just last July that he was a passenger in a car collision that, had he been sitting in a different seat, could have ended his career already.
So for that, and to play in the winning team in a Championship match in front of all of his family and friends, Williams feels remarkably fortunate.
"I have been here since I was seven, so it is a moment that I have always wanted since then. It's the best feeling I've had," he told the Daily Echo.
"When the coaches called me in at half-time, I had no idea I was coming on. It was only after they went through set-pieces with me twice, I realised.
"I had to ask, 'Am I coming on now?' They just said, 'Yes.' I had to quickly get my head around it, but as soon as we scored, my nerves settled down.
"I was pretty nervous, to be fair, but all the players had a chat with me before, and on the pitch, and told me not to worry about any mistakes I make.
"They definitely made me feel calmer. All of them are really good with the young boys. They just make sure you play how you play, with no pressure."
It was a day before the academy's pre-season trip to Spain in July 2024 that the vehicle Williams was travelling in was involved in a collision.
Williams had come off the back of a strong season with the under-18s, where he had made 20 appearances, as well as making his under-21s debut.
The versatile operator played in a few positions, including several games at right-back, where some staff believe he could excel in the men's game.
It was late at night, dark outside, and, like most passengers, Williams was not really paying any attention to the road. Then there was a sudden bang.
"I was in the hospital for a week," Williams revealed. "It was very scary. If I had done what my mate next to me did to his body, I would not play again.
"It was not a nice moment. In my case, all my injuries were internal, which made it more problematic coming back to play football.
"They had not treated anything like that before, so I had to go through so many scans and checks, and last season was definitely tough.
"The coaches made sure I knew that they still had faith in me, which was nice. Everyone around me made the whole experience easier.
"I have never been a fan of the physio room, but they helped make it go quickly. I came back in March, so it was about eight months injured.
"I only got to play about five games at the end of last season, but it made me realise how much I love football and how much I want to make it.
"But I got over it, so that makes you grateful. You make the best of a bad situation, and I got a bit of fortune back in the way I made my debut."
Williams was not initially supposed to be in the squad against the Owls, if not for muscle tightness ruling out fellow academy ace Cam Bragg.
But two days' notice was enough time for the youngster, who hails from Melksham in Wiltshire, to get his family down to St Mary's for the big moment.
It was lucky that he did, because another injury to Flynn Downes, back in the team after injury to Shea Charles a week prior, opened the door for him.
"I did not think I would be where I am now. I just wanted to get as many under-21 games under my belt as possible," insisted Williams.
"Because I missed so much of last season, I wanted to show the player I am in as many games as possible. Then, if I get the opportunity, take it.
"It was definitely a day to remember for me, but especially for my family because of everything they have done for me - they mean a lot to me."
Williams is also thankful to interim boss Tonda Eckert, who has been coaching the midfielder since the start of the season with the youth team.
The 32 year old has kept Williams around first-team training during the international break, and he is now operating on a first-team timetable.
"When I made my debut, he said in front of everyone that he had full trust in me. Just hearing that gave me a big confidence boost," said Williams.
"It worked in my favour that he was the manager at that point, having worked with him for the last few months. That helped me get my head around it."
Asked about the German's credentials, he added: "He has a very clear, strong approach in how he wants us to play and very good structure.
"He trusts all his players to do what he wants. He is very keen on winning games. I have really enjoyed working with Tonda so far this season.
"He is the exact same coach as he was with the under-21s. That has helped me feel more confident, and I think all the other players like him."
It has been a whirlwind year for Williams, who believes he keeps learning from everything thrown his way. His next challenge is the biggest.
Can he maintain the levels that he is training at to continue to impress Eckert, or whoever else takes over? Can he then respond to the inevitable setback?
Williams insisted: "This has shown me how quickly things can turn, both good and bad. Getting injured the way I did happened so quickly.
"But getting my debut was also a quick turnaround from playing under-21s. It showed me to take every opportunity and not dwell on bad things.
"Now I am making sure in training that I take everything from every day and do not waste anything. Hopefully, I'll get more opportunities and take them."
