Ill add a quick comment to all the posts above..

I do buy the tokens as and when I need the investment in order to improve my squad. Because you simply cant build a really good team without purchasing players at some point.. Catching the auctions at the right time as suggested, is the only realistic chance of a non token buying players ever getting quality * players for the season there in.

I built a really strong squad for my league in seasons 2 and 4 buy purchasing tokens (usually 150) and have maintained there progression in the seasons in between by training every day.. Occasionally with power training certain players only if I could afford the health packs to do it.

Doing it this way i have been really successful in the 5 season i have played so far, with 3 league and 2 champions league wins. and would recommend any new manager to do the same.

If you are unable or unwilling to invest even those small amounts of money then i am afraid its mid table mediocrity for your team most seasons. As the truth is as in the real world that MONEY talks.