MICHAEL Appleton says the uncertainty surrounding Oxford United’s future is not a problem, as long as he is kept informed of the club’s position.

Tensions over the ownership of the Kassam Stadium have come to the fore this week following a strongly-worded statement from the U’s board, who are led by chairman Darryl Eales.

It included a suggestion that unless a solution is found, the club’s ambitions on the pitch would have to be lowered.

Appleton is no stranger to turbulence, having started his managerial career at financially-stricken Portsmouth in 2011.

The head coach sympathises with the issues going on at boardroom level, but insists it will not cause him concern, providing he is aware of the situation.

He said: “I understand Darryl’s frustrations with everything that’s going on.

“As long as I’m kept in the loop and I’ve got an understanding of it, whether it makes my job harder or not, it’s not a massive issue as long as I know what’s going on.

“As long as people’s perceptions of what we should be achieving are realistic then I’ve got no issues.”

The statement was released in the middle of the January transfer window, where the U’s are yet to clinch a new signing.

This week they missed out on a loan move for one unnamed target, who joined a rival Sky Bet League One club instead.

Tyler Roberts also joined struggling Shrewsbury Town from West Bromwich Albion, despite United’s hopes he would return on loan.

While Eales earlier this month suggested the U’s would consider spending transfer fees this month on the right target, Appleton has always been cautious about the plans for January.

The U’s boss made it clear the stance taken by the board this week has not had an impact on his plans – which have been in place since last month.

He said: “We know the limitations and what we can and can’t do.

“Say if two or three people come through the door, the reality is two or three will have to leave.

“We’re not going to be adding to the squad in terms of numbers, we’ll have to be more creative.

“I knew that in December anyway.”

With Appleton determined to keep his prized assets, it would suggest aside from finding a replacement for Roberts, United are not expecting a busy end to the window, which closes on January 31.