I think the best and most comprehensive guides are found over at SI. Now, these guides might not be for FM13 or contain any info about specific players but the generall concept will still be the same as it always has been.
Just as some small pointers, I agree with the poster above.
- Have realistic expectations
Not many teams - if any at all- in real life have climbed the ladder in less than 15-20 years and actually managed to stay at the top.
- Play to your strengths.
There is no point trying to play an approach your players are not capable of
- Build up the structure of the club
If not upgrading the facilities or getting more crowd to the matches, time will catch up with you sooner or later if the progress on the field is way ahead of those in the rest of the club. My point here is not to expect to be able always get promoted if the club can't match your ambitions.
- Don't build or the future, but for the reality you are in.
Dont look at youngster that in a few years MIGTH turn into better players. Your level of coaches and facilities simply won't let them reach their potential ability anyway. Better than to get players that can do the job for you here and now.
- Dont spend all the money
It does not matter if the board gives you a transfer budget if you don't have any real money. In the end, its the same money an guy will only be spending from your " bank credit "
- Try getting players that have stats much better than the opponents.
At higher levels, this often means players with great Decision and Technique. Here, these stats are more likely to be Stregnths an pace.
- Try to understand what builds a winning team.
As in all sports, its about the winning mentality. Hardworking players with great mental stats will get you results.
- No player is bigger than the club .
If you get an offer you can't refuse, then don't. The same goes for a player that demands too much money
- It's a long season
Rotate the squad and have enough players in the first team and NO players in the reserves.
- Look at the wages.
If you have a high earner that is not really important, get rid of him.
- Get in money by trying I play friendlies againt bigger teams.
Dont underestimate how much 50k really is for a small club