I've been playing as Blyth Spartans. Into my 4th season now my 3rd full season. I think i just about got some tactics that may help.
I started without a job and Blyth were the 1st team to come and get me
They were rock bottom and destined for the drop in Blue Square North.
First thing was to sort out defence. I opted for a 5-3-2. playing defensie and direct. seemed to do the trick and the goals against soon dried up and I scored the odd goal myself.
Avoided relegation so the next season was to build a half-decent team.
I continued with the 5-3-2 but it wasn't working. couldn't score enough goals to really make a good challenge. so changed to a (4-3-3 normal) played a bit attacking, kept directness and changed between wide and narrow play in the game.
It completely revolutionised my team and I started to really push up the league. Unfortunately i hit some inconsistence and left it to little to late so just missed out on a play-off place.
After a bit of fine tuning and some half-decent signings the following seaon was much better and I challenged all seaon long for a playoff place grabbing a much deserved 4th place. made the final but didn't win it.
now with a few more decent players in I'm sure this year will be the one to get out of that division. I'm predicting a division championship challenge.
Lengthy reply...sorry
may work for u..if ur in a bit of bother...let me know how it goes!