TYRONE Thompson believes Mansfield Town can compete with the Blue Square Bet Premier big spenders.

Luton are favourites to take the title because of their sizeable budget and mega-rich Crawley under-lined their aspirations this week by signing York City hot-shot Richard Brodie.

Among the other clubs understood to be paying out hefty wages are Grimsby, Fleetwood, Cambridge and AFC Wimbledon.

But Thompson said: "The pressure isn't on us – the pressure is on the other teams who are spending big money.

"All we do is concentrate on what we are doing because we know we have the quality and depth of squad to do well.

"You can put a value on players, but when you go out there it is still 11 v 11. It doesn't bother me what players are getting paid at some other clubs.

"We are paid to win games and when we go out on a Saturday, that is what we try to do.

"I know the ability we have and if we keep doing the right things, then maybe we could surprise a few people.

"But we are aware it is early doors still and we have to keep doing what we have been to get to the top of the table.

"Wins like at Altrincham (4-0 on Monday) are good for confidence and hopefully we will take it into the Tamworth game tomorrow."