Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy believes his side have shown the rest of the Championship a big budget is not essential to challenge for promotion.The Canaries have been consistent top six contenders with a squad featuring a host of players that were part of last term's League One title-winning side.
"With a budget like the club's got, it's a brilliant job the manager has done," Ruddy told BBC Radio Norfolk.
"A lot of clubs can take that and use it I think. We haven't spent big cash."
City boss Paul Lambert took Ruddy, 24, from Premier League Everton while defender Leon Barnett, midfielder Andrew Surman and loanees Henri Lansbury and Rob Edwards have also dropped down from the top flight.
But the rest of the squad were either part of last season's promotion party, or have been acquired from League One or on a free transfer.
Ruddy added: "Effectively our manager has taken a League One side and turned it into a contender for the Championship.
"I see every week managers in the league moaning about not having the resources they need to push for promotion.
"That shows the manager here is very shrewd, he has a good scouting network and he uses it to his advantage."
And Ruddy, who has played 34 times in his debut season at Carrow Road, says big money signings are not always the best way to go.
"You don't want anybody coming in who is a world beater but doesn't get on with anybody in the squad," he explained.
"Thankfully that's not the case here, we've got a great bunch of lads who get on together and I think that shows in our performances
"We're desperate to do something together as a squad and what better way to do that than push for promotion."
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport