Bristol City's players may have been feeling the heat at moments this season but Matty James says their team bonding session in the kitchen was exactly what they needed.
Nigel Pearson's side took time out of the training ground on Wednesday to enjoy a cooking competition to make up for lost time after Covid prevented the close-knit group from relaxing away from the pitch over the festive period.
Ryley Towler stole the show with yet another brilliant piece of content when describing the process of making chicken wings while James was tasked with dishing up an Oreo cheesecake - a gamechanger according to the midfielder.
Footage across social media further highlighted the camaraderie between the players despite a difficult season following periods when the side were struggling for form before confirming their Championship status over the Bank Holiday weekend.
That mirrors scenes on the pitch where the group's closeness was evident following the jubilant scenes after the victory at Stoke on Good Friday - something that James puts down to the attitude of the manager.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's game with Derby, the City midfielder said: "When you do things like that as a team you see different sides of people and you're out of your comfort zone and out of the area of the training facility.
"It's something completely different and you get to see different sides of people. It was an enjoyable day, there was some good food cooked and some bad food cooked as well but it was really good, it was a good idea and something that we needed at the time.
"Everyone kind of struggled with the whole Covid situation in the first half of the season, it hit around the Christmas time and a lot of people were spending Christmas parties where you can get some sort of bonding but ours got cancelled due to trying to protect the players and other people.
"So I think that was something we missed out on and it's always difficult when the games come thick and fast to fit something in at the right time. So when I say it was needed it meant we haven't really had the chance to do that. It was needed to come together as a whole team.
"I think the atmosphere has been pretty good throughout the whole season and you get ups and downs but I think the gaffer has tried to maintain a level playing field about the atmosphere and trying to remain upbeat every day."
James, who reunited with Pearson last summer after joining the Robins on a free transfer following the duo's time together at Leicester, has remained an important cog in the midfield having made 30 Championship appearances across the season.
At the age of 30 and with a contract for another two years at least, James can hardly be considered a veteran but in comparison to the likes of Alex Scott, Han-Noah Massengo and Ayman Benarous coming through the ranks, he feels an extra sense of responsibility particularly when the going gets tough.
He added: "From the first day of the season we tried to make sure that the players and staff come together and I think there is a good team spirit and togetherness here, I've enjoyed it and all the players and staff have enjoyed it.
"Maybe it's just certain performances and games haven't really gone to plan. It does create low confidence or certain forms of anxiety and some of the lads more experienced can help some of the younger lads get through it. The experience that they would have gained this season will be beneficial going to the next.
"For me, it's always something I've tried to do and lead by example at such a young age. Coming through at Manchester United was something that was drilled into us so for me, it's about helping the lads and making sure the difficult times remain as level as you possibly can and in the times when they are doing really well, is not to go too far either.
"So it has been good for me personally because it has been a new experience and I'm learning a hell of a lot from them too so I think that stands me in good stead from a personal point of view. I've learned a lot this season and I'll hopefully keep learning throughout my time here and if I can help the young guys here I will do that."
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
