Gareth Ainsworth believes Garry Thompson still has a lot to offer Wycombe Wanderers at the age of 34 and insisted “his legs haven’t gone”.

The Blues boss handed the forward a two-year deal to entice him to Adams Park, luring him away from previous club Notts County who were said to be in talks with Thompson over a new deal.

The striker will come face-to-face with his former employers when the Magpies, who were relegated after finishing 21st in League One last season, visit Wanderers on November 14.

Thompson was a bright spark in a dismal campaign for the Nottingham club, netting 12 times to finish top of the club’s scoring charts.

The former Scunthorpe player, who will rekindle his partnership with Blues captain Paul Hayes, has played as high as the Championship, and Ainsworth says he will be a useful addition to the squad.

“Garry’s scored goals wherever he’s been and he can play on the right, on the left and down the middle as an attacking player. He’s going to add a wealth of experience,” he said.

“His legs haven’t gone by any means; he’s still a quick player, great in the air and scores all types of goals, so I’m really pleased with Garry Thompson.

“Every time we’ve played against him he’s always been a pain in Wycombe’s side. I remembered him through my career, so to get Garry Thompson, especially as he was top goalscorer in a relegated Notts County side last season, was fantastic.”

All of Ainsworth’s three signings so far this summer have been free transfers – a trend which looks set to continue as the club put financial stability at the top of their agenda.

The Blues boss is used to having a small budget at his disposal, and while a number of clubs in League Two operate to similar restraints it’s something which makes it increasingly tough to compete with the sides who are looking to spend their way out of the division.

Ainsworth said: “Some teams have found more money than last year like your Cambridges, your Oxfords and Portsmouth definitely.

“They seem to be spending way more than we could ever dream of spending. Even in the plush years at Wycombe we weren’t able to come up with the budget that some teams are spending in League Two now.

“Once again we’ll be up against it, but we all know what we can achieve when we’re together. We’ll have a tight-knit squad again, not by choice.

“If I had the money I don’t know if it would be by choice but it has to be dictated by finances. It’s going to be tough but it’s a good challenge for us again this season.”