THE search to strengthen the playing squad may have dominated the agenda at Oxford United this week, but Michael Appleton says he has had to be careful to avoid it becoming a distraction.

As head coach, the 39-year-old’s primary responsibility is on preparing the first team for games.

While he plays a role in recruitment, the bulk of the work in tying up deals is done by others at the club.

The work on signings, which has yet to bear fruit this month, is time consuming, and Appleton is wary about the potential of being sidetracked from getting a positive result against Exeter City tomorrow.

He said: “The one thing I’ve got to be very careful of is not forgetting the people I’ve got in the building already.

“You’ve still got to prepare for games and that’s the problem with the January window.

“Sometimes you get so distracted with players going in and out, you have to be careful you don’t disrespect the people in the building.”

The squad have needed the full attention of the coaching staff this week in the wake of Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Southend United.

Appleton described the dressing room as “shellshocked” after the game, but has been pleased with their reaction since.

“They have been surprisingly OK,” the U’s boss, who admitted it as the lowest moment of his managerial career, said.

“They were a bit down on Monday and we had to pick them up and try to get a smile on their faces again and looking forward to the weekend.”

Appleton urged his players to analyse their performances in the wake of the defeat, which left them just three points above the relegation zone.

It has been the same for the head coach, who has concluded the problem does not lie with the approach.

“It’s got nothing to do with styles,” he said.

“The difference with any game of football is what happens in both boxes.

“That was evident on Saturday, the opposition had four shots on goal and scored three.

“That’s happened quite a lot this season and we have to be better at it.

“I’m happy with what happens from box to box, we just have to be better in both boxes.”

He added: “What I can’t do is stop a cross, I can’t stop someone from cutting across me and scoring a goal.

“You’ve got to give responsibility to players and if they don’t take it then it’s up to you as the manager to change things.

“I know I do the job to the best of my ability.

“Whether that’s good enough I don’t make those decisions, but I’ve never at any time in my career looked myself in the mirror and said ‘you haven’t done it today’.”