Pretty stoked got a 0-1 win away against a slightly better team. Was holding my own but it helped with a red card to the other team. 1 more win and I'll match the number of wins I had the first time in the Championship.
Also struck a 4.5* striker (15 y/o too so plenty of routine by the time he graduates to the A team).
Yeah those red cards can be handy, when they go your way.
That 15y/o 4.5* striker sounds good. If you can get him training in a reserve squad you should get a high rec. Don't be surprised that by the time he is ready the championship will need all 4.5* players to compete. It's getting like that now in all Chamionships I'm in, expect the powerhouse Cameroon.
Still think REC is very important. One of my sides I brought in 3 young 4* players, but they have low rec and I lost my first four games because they all suck at once :) 2 or 3 seasons before they start paying back their wages.
Good that we can now sub at 90 mins and still get rec added.
I don't look at stars that much but rather skill index. Further I look for specific skills for specific positions. I have a bench striker who is only 12,000 skill index but above 15 in Strength, Stamina and Pace and 17 and 19 in Finishing and Longshots respectively. Also I think routine is important and my reserve team serves sole purpose of getting players routine. Most of my first team players under 25 have at least 20-30 routine already . I reluctantly bought a midfielder in who has poor routine (I think 11 or so) and is 25 but has good stats. Bit of a trade off with what I can afford. Plus he's already gotten me an assist so happy with him so far :)