Sam Austin has reiterated the importance of Luke Williams in his transition from Kidderminster Harriers to Notts County as he continues to go from strength to strength during his first season at the club.
The 26-year-old was considered a marquee signing for the Magpies during the summer transfer window, signing on a three-year deal having scored 12 goals in 38 games for the National League North side.
But the midfielder has often been used as an impact substitution for the majority of this campaign, starting just 17 games all season but still managing to register seven goals and 13 assists in all competitions.
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Compared to his statistics from the previous season, Austin started 43 of the 44 games he was involved in under Russell Penn - insisting that despite not having played as many games, feels as though he has improved as a player since arriving in the East Midlands, giving huge credit to the current Notts boss.
"I feel like the gaffer has played a massive part in it," Austin explained.
"I may have started half the games that I did compared to last year, but I am still making an impact when I come on the pitch.
"From where I was when I first started to where I am now as a player, I have come on quite a bit and that is down to the training that we do because training is so intense, but I feel fresh, ready, and I have enjoyed it."
The midfielder was once again brought off the bench during the defeat to Wrexham at The Racecourse Ground, making an almost instant impact once again as a weaving run and shot was tipped over the bar by Ben Foster.
In a game with heightened emotion and increased intensity, many would have found it difficult to put their stamp on proceedings.
But as we have seen in numerous games this campaign, Williams' substitutions have often been rewarded in earning valuable points in their race for the National League title with Wrexham, with Austin explaining the importance of the entire squad as the regular season comes to a close.
"I enjoyed the time that I got on - I think every time that I come on I make an impact and try to take us forward and provide that energy.
"We have seen throughout the season how important substitutes within this team and not only Wrexham, if you look at the Wealdstone game Jim O'Brien, Cedywn Scott, and Frank Vincent came on and made a real impact and it really helps us."
With just three games of the campaign remaining, players will be looking at their end-of-season statistics and reflecting on personal achievements and accolades.
Despite the irregular game time, Austin's quality has shone through as he has established himself as one of the most creative midfielders in the division, notching 12 assists during the campaign, scoring seven times with four of those coming in cup competitions.
Of all the players in the fifth tier, Austin is second to team-mate Ruben Rodrigues in the assist charts as both of their influences on this team became instrumental in accumulating over 100 points and goals in this remarkable season.
When asked if there may be a slight competition between himself and his Portuguese team-mate, Austin smiled and said: "No I wouldn't say there is much competition, but it is always healthy to have a challenge.
"Ruben is a brilliant player and the passes he plays it is great for me to learn from and in the meetings we watch clips and it's perfect to learn from each other."
