How effective is training in the 5th tier? At what point should I focus on individual players instead of team?
I'm managing Crawley in my first time playing FM, bumbling along (like you do) and generally doing okay, I think. I have no reputation, so I don't really attract really good players or coaches (that I can afford). I've plugged a couple of holes with loans and a couple of signings. I decided that instead of trying to develop individual players to the maximum, I should focus on getting the talent I currently have to work together well as a team. I chose a 4-4-2 and kept Team Blend at max until all bars were full. I've now added a 4-5-1 and am keeping team blend at max. It's currently late October.
So far through the season, I'm finding that more often than not I am keeping posession and getting chances, but finishing is not strong. My games tend to be low scoring affairs, even when playing a team at the bottom of the table (I'm currently 3rd). I have thought about trying to develop individual skills, or have players try to train to bright green in the positions I play them, but don't want to lose the progress on the team blend - I still get messages about players having trouble blending in. Given the (not great) level of skill and potential I currently have to work with, and the fact that I don't have super great coaches, should I really worry that much about my individual players' progress?
Thanks!