Calum Chambers has embraced his role as captain of table-toppers Cardiff City, playing a central role in their push for an immediate return to the Championship.
The Bluebirds sit top of League One, eight points clear of third placed Bolton Wanderers, and the 31-year-old central defender is savouring every moment.
"It's a feeling you don't want to wish away," Chambers said.
"You want to keep it and bottle up this feeling because it's really good."
The former Arsenal, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender joined Cardiff City as a free agent in July 2024.
He featured 41 times in his first campaign, at the end of which Cardiff were relegated from the Championship.
Chambers said: "It was a very different feeling last season. Obviously, last year was my first year and it was tough. It was really tough."
Following Cardiff's relegation, former Manchester City academy coach Brian Barry-Murphy took over and under him Cardiff have lost just five league games this campaign while playing a style of football which has excited supporters and generated success.
"This season's got a completely different feel to it and a lot of credit goes down to Brian for changing the mentality," said Chambers.
"To change a team that's gone down to a team that wants to win every single game and trains the way we train isn't easy. He's done it since day one and everyone's taken to it really well.
"The football we're playing, the enthusiasm, the energy on the training ground, the fans - it's been such an enjoyable season. I think everyone would say the same."
Another particularly "enjoyable" aspect for Chambers has been the competition for places, which he says, he is "relishing".
"I've always enjoyed competition. It brings the best out in everyone," he said, adding: "It keeps you at your best because you know you've got to perform to play again."
One of those centre-backs is 20-year-old Wales international Dylan Lawlor, who the three-capped English international believes has enormous potential.
"He's really young, but he doesn't look it on the pitch. He's been brilliant," said Chambers.
"The main thing is his character. He's willing to learn, willing to improve, works hard every day. That's what gets you where you want to be."
Having been appointed club captain for the beginning of Cardiff's League One campaign, Chambers sees mentoring the younger players as a rewarding part of his role.
"I have lots of conversations with the young boys. I remember when I was that age coming through and how exciting and how sort of new everything felt," he said.
"It brings back all the feelings I had when I first broke through. I'm enjoying that with them, but also bringing my experience along as well."
Chambers said that despite relegation to League One, he "never really even thought about leaving Cardiff" and life under Barry-Murphy couldn't be better.
"He's brilliant. His class, as a manager, as a person, everything. I think he's been amazing for the club. It's really enjoyable football to play. The way he wants us to play really suits me at centre back. I'm loving it," said Chambers.
"I wanted to settle somewhere and feel part of something. What happened last season wasn't great, but that's the reason why I wanted to join a club like this is to sort of feel all of those things. And I'm really enjoying it."