Ben Osborn praises 'unbelievable' work of Sheffield United's staff

The Blades are showing the same high standards they have shown on the pitch in 2019-20 in their meticulous preparations for the Premier League's eagerly-awaited return following its Covid-19 hiatus.

And the operational demands of organising training on a daily basis are working seamlessly for the players, in the view of the former Nottingham Forest midfielder.

Osborn said: "The staff have been unbelievable, with the way they had it set up at the start.

"Obviously there was a lot in the media about how it’s going to work. We were in small groups and it was a staff member looking after each section staying in the one place and giving you the right information. Everyone knew where they were going.

"You get told where to park and had your set times when to come in. Everything was set up, just ready to go. I speak to a few lads at other clubs and it seems like our set up was pretty much 'bob on' compared to lads at other clubs.

"Since the first time when we in and saw how everything was set up and then testing started, everyone was more than happy to be back.

"Like our doctor said, it is probably the safest place to be at the moment apart from at home. You go to supermarket or stuff and that’s more risky than a fully locked down football complex with all the measures in place - handwash at every station and getting tested twice a week and getting your temperatures tested at the game and stuff like that. I am more than happy."

The Blades are now focusing on their much-anticipatyed return to action, scheduled for a fortnight's time at Aston Villa and after showing total commitment and professionalism in keeping in pristine condition during lockdown, Osborn says that total dedication and sense of sacrifice will continue in the next few months to season's end with Chris Wilder's side seeking to turn a fine first season back in the top-flight into a truly special one.

He continued: "It is definitely a real opportunity. That’s why everyone’s come back in good shape and are raring to go. We know will have to commit ourselves for two months.

"We know it will be non-stop games and no time to see any friends or family really. That's what I am telling myself anyway - two months of purely football focus and giving it a right go. I think everyone is on the same page and are all determined."