MICHAEL Appleton is planning to change the way he breaks the news to the Oxford United squad about who is starting at Wembley.

A year ago the head coach informed players on a one-to-one basis in the team hotel on the eve of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final.

This time, everyone will be told together ahead of Sunday’s showpiece clash with Coventry City.

“I’m going to do it collectively this year,” Appleton said.

“Because it’s such a big game, it was a shock to the system for one or two last year.

“They might have taken it a bit harder than I thought I would’ve done if I was a player.

“This year I will sit down after the game with the players and talk about the reasons why, because before the game I just want them solely focused on trying to win.

“It’s not about individuals, it’s what we do collectively.

“I’ll pick the team and say my door’s open on Monday if you want to come and discuss it.”

After two days off, the players and staff will meet up at Bisham Abbey this morning to begin the last-minute preparations for the Checkatrade Trophy final.

While Coventry have been preparing all week for the game, United had a midweek fixture – the confidence-boosting 5-1 victory against Bury.

With hopes of a play-off place still intact, the U’s have deliberately held back any homework on the Sky Blues.

Appleton said: “We’ve given the league a lot of respect.

“In terms of Coventry, Friday will be the first bit of work we do on the training field and the first time the players will see the analysis.

“When you’re playing twice a week that’s how it unfolds anyway.”

The scouting report on the Sky Blues will show they are improving under Mark Robins, who was appointed earlier this month and has steered them to back-to-back victories.

Coventry remain adrift at the bottom of Sky Bet League One, but cannot be relegated before the final, which looked a distinct possibility a fortnight ago.

Appleton said: “What Mark has done since he’s gone in there is galvanise the fact they are in a bit of trouble and it’s time for a new start.”

The build-up to a Wembley final has seen United’s players and staff in demand for extra media interviews and public appearances.

For someone who would far rather focus on the game itself and nothing else, you might imagine Appleton is keen to wish away the next 48 hours.

But the truth is very different.

“The build-up to the game is quite enjoyable,” he said.

“The reason we’re involved in football is because of days like Sunday, so you’ve got to try to embrace that.

“The hour and a half before the game is the bit I don’t like.

“It’s over to the players at that point.

“You’re just twiddling your thumbs and you hope they get the last-minute bits right in terms of the warm-up and that’s where (assistant head coaches) Chris (Allen) and Faz (Derek Fazackerley) come into play, giving them little reminders of what we’re looking for.

“But that’s the horrible bit every week, not just the big games like this one.”