Ok, I got back into FM20 a few months back. As per my usual, I started with a team well below the prem with the goal of trying to win the Prem with a no name team.
This time I started with Dorking FC, simply because the name was ridiculous. They are a semi-pro team playing in the 6th level of the English football pyramid (National League South).
I've put in 7 seasons, gaining promotion 5 times, and now Dorking are sitting in 5th in their first season in the Championship. Obviously, I have no players left from the initial squad, but my captain, who doesn't play much because he's really not good enough, has been with me for 6 seasons, going from a part time contract to the captain of a team that has played in Wembley and in front of 50k fans.
The jump from League 1 to the Championship is pretty big. Teams that have payrolls inflated with parachute payments from seasons in the Prem... tough to go up against with a payroll 1/10th.
I did just sell a young Spanish right back for 2.5m that i picked up on a free when he was 17. He wanted CL football, which is kinda ridiculous as he signed for a League 1 outfit 2 seasons ago. With that sale, the finances are secure and i can bring in more talented players. I didn't typically search for players on loan, and really only get free transfers.
Doubtful I can reach promotion this season, but I'm hoping Dorking can make the Prem next season.
Oh, thankfully in my game, Brexit didn't happen, so I can sign those cheap Serbs and Portuguese players.
FYI, my wife still hates this game.