I always start my saves with long-term plans.
ie:
Start off with a weaker/smaller team (lates save I started with Viking in Norway), and eventually build up a reputation, which will attract bigger teams. After winning Tippeligaen, and qualifying for knock-out-stages in Champions League three years in a row, the offers started ticking in. I ended up with West Ham, got promoted & established in the PL, which resulted in Man Utd hiring me around 2020. Amazingly fun, and a real awesome feeling when your early-set goals are achieved.
To answer your question:
It all depends on the type of save you want. Create a dominant force from scratch? build your own name by achieving certain stuff with certain clubs?
Set your goals, and try to achieve them. It really is worth the time and effort.