can we use spoiler here?
anyway, i will provide some game mechanics info in white below. There are many purists that do not like that kind of information.
Players decide to go into a team based on some factors. One factor regarding to the reputation of the club, i.e how 'successful' recently the team is. Based on my experience, the value is updated in the end of season. Since you are in January, then your reputation is the same as Birmingham that would struggle.