Ben Osborn and the footballing mischief-makers

Anyone with a modicum of understanding about English football’s structure knew exactly what Ben Osborn meant.

But in another example of how those deliberately looking to make mischief in both the mainstream and social media can create a storm in a half-time tea cup, the Sheffield United midfielder has felt compelled to clarify comments he recently made about his move from Nottingham Forest.

“Just seen this, has been taken out of context,” Osborn replied in a message to a fan after stating earlier this month he now “at a better club and training with better players”. “I meant better as in current league only.”

Context isn’t something granted any degree of importance during many Twitter and Facebook debates.

Forest are enjoying a fine season in the Championship and, as Osborn has stated on countless occasions in the past, he has the utmost respect for his former colleagues, employers and supporters at the City Ground.

But after beating West Ham on Friday, United climbed to fifth in the Premier League table. After the weekend round of matches, they found themselves in sixth.

But, as Chris Wilder’s side prepare for this weekend’s visit to Arsenal, that is still 19 places above Forest on the pyramid.

Which also suggests, at this moment in time, United’s squad is also superior to the one at Sabri Lamouchi’s disposal.

Osborn, an unused substitute during the victory over West Ham, will hope to make his eighth appearance since leaving the East Midlands at the Emirates Stadium.

“When you look at the results, you can’t complain about not being in the eleven at the moment,” he said. “But what I’ve got to do is keep working hard every single day in training and then, when a chance does come along, make sure I’m ready to take it.”

Despite using his sparingly so far, Wilder has expressed his satisfaction with Osborn’s progress with United.

“Ben’s attitude has been excellent,” he said. “And it’s people like him who push the lads who are in there and ensure they are producing performances.”