Thomas: Cobblers are 'overachieving' relative to our budget

Chairman Kelvin Thomas says the Cobblers are currently 'overachieving' relative to their budget this season.

Despite a recent run of poor form. Town are seventh in Sky Bet League Two and level on points with Colchester United and Port Vale.

It could yet change between now and the end of the season but Thomas says the club are operating with a 'top 10 to mid-table' budget so a play-off finish would represent overachievement.

He said: "At the start of the season everyone talks about budgets and that but when the numbers come out, we've probably got a top 10 to mid-table budget.

"So you're always looking to overachieve on that and I think we are now. We weren't at the start of the season but Keith (Curle) and the players have found a way to win and it's been very effective.

"I think we've backed him in the transfer market and we brought players in during the January window and he's appreciated that."

Thomas sanctioned a major summer overhaul last year when Curle released eight players and signed 13, plus three on free transfers in the autumn.

Curle was again backed in January as he signed Lloyd Jones, James Olayinka and Callum Morton on loan, while Mark Marshall joined on a short-term contract.

"People talk about loans but loans cost money as well and they are additional to the budget and things like that," Thomas added.

"A decent chunk was invested during January and you look at those players and they've done well for us.

"Callum's done an excellent job up top and Mark's done well. Unfortunately James got injured when he did but he was man of the match on debut so in general we're happy with that and Keith's recruitment.

"We've put ourselves in a good position and we've got a chance to be in the mix come the end of the season."