Nottingham Forest boss Sean O'Driscoll believes Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has been shrewd in the transfer market.
The excesses of the Sven-Goran Eriksson reign at City has proved money cannot buy immediate success, but O'Driscoll, who brings his Forest side to the King Power Stadium today, believes Pearson has utilised the resources handed to him by City's Thai owners well and is building an impressive side.
"It is about getting the right players, the right blend, the right balance – and that does not always mean signing the most expensive player," said O'Driscoll.
"Nigel has had time to look at that. He has experience of putting sides together and he will have enjoyed spending a little bit of money.
"Spending money gives you more options, it can help you be consistent in an inconsistent division."
O'Driscoll has found himself in a position where he now has some financial backing, and he has also spent well on players such as Simon Cox and Billy Sharp. But he admits to finding the huge financial aspect of football baffling.
However, having cash is just the start of the process of building a promotion-challenging side.
"I try not to think about the money, because it frightens me to death," he said. "I just have to scratch my head and consider that we are in an industry that does not make sense.
"Why is one person worth this and another worth that? I don't understand it. But it is what it is. There is no logic to it. It is just the way things are.
"Having money to spend just gives you options. Like when we were looking for a striker, I always wanted to take Billy because I know him and because of his record at this level.
"His record stands up against anyone's in this division. He ticks all the boxes and we could afford him so, when I was asked for a name, his was the one I put forward.
"Whether he is worth the money, that is in the eye of the beholder. That is not a reflection on Billy, it is just the way football is.
"Whether you have billions to spend or whether you have nothing, the things that matter in football stay the same."
