ATTENTION to detail can be the difference between success and failure, which is why fridges, clocks and ceiling heights have been on Karl Robinson’s mind.

On top of steering Oxford United out of danger in Sky Bet League One and looking ahead to overhauling his squad this summer, there is one other big issue which needs addressing.

The switch of training grounds to a new facility at Horspath offers a big opportunity – and United plan to adopt techniques copied from the Premier League.

Robinson led his staff in a fact-finding mission earlier this month to Finch Farm, Everton’s training base.

The United boss worked under Toffees boss Sam Allardyce at Blackburn Rovers and it proved a fruitful trip.

“We went away inspired about what we can put into our own training ground,” he said.

“It might sound silly, but by having fridges in rooms so there’s bottles of water everywhere for constant hydration, you create an environment where the habits become natural.

“There’s TVs when you walk in with the schedule on for the day, so the players know what they’re doing – and next to it a digital clock.

“That may sound very simple, but sometimes that’s the best way.

“We’re looking at how we build a lecture theatre so everyone isn’t at the same head level, so we’re going to have a look at how high the ceiling is going to be.

“We couldn’t afford some of the stuff they have, but we can use their principles which support Premier League players.

“This is an opportunity for this club this summer to propel itself back to where I think it belongs.

“We won’t be spending the biggest wages in the league, but we’ll have the best staff and that should be a better support mechanism to drive these players forward.”

Robinson has been impressed by the quality of his backroom staff, from coaches and analysts to the medical and sports science departments.

But he is anxious to ensure they keep developing.

He said: “We’ve got some very young staff here who have only ever known Oxford United.

“I don’t think that’s a good thing because you can get institutionalised into thinking what we’ve always done will always work.

“I want to broaden my staff’s horizons, I want to put some money in the pot for them to go abroad and see how the best work.

“We’ve got to move the club forward.

“I can’t just be a manager who comes in here, stays for a small period of time and just works on one or two small points on the pitch.

“The staff are the most important people, they are the ones that drive standards, maintain quality and raise spirits on a daily basis.

“We’ve got to keep them motivated.”