Cat, you are correct in the fact that many players become complacent after a good start to the season and do not realise that other players are improving their teams. So come the second half of the season their teams are better than yours and will beat you easily.

Newbie1001, firstly please do not disrespect Cat and secondly, yes in some leagues and at some levels manager inactivity happens, but it generally happens over the entire season and not just the 2nd half of the season. Some teams may tank for the 2nd half but also if you are improving your team then other managers may not be able to so and that may give you an added advantage.