OXFORD United’s slow start to the season shows that budgets are not everything, according to Shrewsbury Town manager John Askey.

The Shrews punched well above their weight last season to reach the play-offs under Paul Hurst.

While there has been no repeat this term, a 3-1 home win over Barnsley on Tuesday edged them clear of Sky Bet League One’s bottom four, where United have spent the entire campaign.

Askey admitted to being surprised by their position, but felt it demonstrated how difficult it could be to rectify a poor start.

He told the Express & Star: “You look at the budget they seem to have, I’m sure they’re expected to do better.

“But it doesn’t matter. You can have all the players and all the budgets, it’s about getting the right combination team wise and spirit.

“If you start well things can fall in place, if you don’t start well then it can be hard no matter the players you’ve got.”

He added: “They’re a team that are improving. There’s no easy games in this league as has proven – we’ve done as well against the top teams as against those around us.

“We won’t be taking any game lightly.

“It’s important that we start to show the fight and spirit we showed on Tuesday now, and that we do it in every game.”