Tom Fell believes the close bond between the Worcestershire players will stand them in good stead for the ups and downs they have to deal with as a team and as individuals in their careers.
Fell was one of 10 Academy products who signed a new deal between August and October and has grown up with the majority of the players in the New Road dressing room.
The batsman who scored two centuries last season in the LV = County Championship thinks that closeness will be a positive factor as the county prepare for life back in Division One.
Fell said: "I think that (closeness) was massive for us last season and the fact we did just stick together.
"We are all good friends and have known each other for years and are of a similar age.
"That just helped kind of boost the team spirit a little bit and just kept us going.
"I know it helped we were winning games. That always helps within a team with team spirit.
"But, even towards the end of the season when we weren't doing quite so well, the team didn't fall apart.
"We all stuck together and that really showed the friendship we have in the side."
Fell added: "Does that stand you in good stead for any bad days? Absolutely. You know if you have a bad day, you've got the support of your mates behind you so it's always nice to have that.
"We socialise together, everyone is pretty local.
"I share a place with Pepsi (Tom Kohler-Cadmore) and it is easy to just pop down the round and go and see people and stay close together as friends."
*Tom will be reflecting on his first full season in the senior side and the challenges ahead during the next few days. Tune into the Worcestershire CCC website to read his thoughts.