I started a Swindon save this year. I am currently in season 2 after winning the league.
I didn't sign anyone in season 1 initially, but after a bit of time with the squad I found Kian Williams on a free (he used to play in Iceland!) He hasnt been awe inspiring but a safe pair of hands never the less.
It's been a couple of years since I've played FM properly tbh so getting promoted and trying to gauge the level of players I needed for League 1 did not come naturally and I tried to sign anyone who looked better than I had and would actually sign from the free players list. Here is who I ended up with:
Amadou Bakayoko - Target man, I dont usually go for Target men, but the guy I had on loan season 1 was banging in the goals so I snapped this guy up and he is doing really well
Dominic Corness - centre midfielder who is average
Christian Maghoma - has settled in as 3rd choice centre back behind Swindons original pairing
Levi Laing - 4th choice centre back, will probably get replaced/upgraded when market allows
Jack Hunter - back up BWM, probably not good enough but needed extra bodies in midfield and he was all I could get (cheap wages though)
Aaron McGowan - full back that can play either side, very handy to have in the squad
Dimitar Mitov - Needed a goalie after my first season goalie returned to his parent club, took a gamble on a this guy who got relegated from L1 but he seems to be doing ok - he does get international call ups which is a bit annoying
Demeaco Duhaney - A solid RB
Kyle McAllister - relatively expensive and not that exciting but a decent enough player
Callum Jones - a really really good BWM but needs an understudy or will get tired
Then in Jan
Clarke Odour - £35k - needed an extra winger so found this guy who's contract was running out hence the price
I am sitting comfortably in the playoff spots, not sure if my signings are great, the AI is underestimating the promoted teams or if the players I did have are decent but seems to be going well.