So I'm playing with Stade Poitevin, tier-5 in France.
After 2 seasons I went up to tier-4. The club was expected amongst top 3-4, so nothing too amazing, although reputation-wise, we weren't the best in the league.
I immediately did good in tier-4, although I missed promotion 3 times in a row by just one spot/a few points.
I switched my tactic, finally got the promotion.
In tier-3, we had by far the lowest reputation. Like, tier-5 clubs still had better reputation than us. Expected last, we ended up champion.
In tier-2, again, tier-5 teams have better reputation and we can't attract players at all. Expected last, we did very good until january, then got a bad form, and finished 12th.
I'm about to start my 2nd season in tier-2
By the way, tier-2 is the best division Stade Poitevin ever got to. once, and they finished 18th. So it's already historic.