[Pelican]

You'll probably get as many different kinds of advice on starting as there are posters, LOL. Everybody plays their own way, and it has taken years for many of us to refine the settings we like.

I like the challenge of rebuilding (although the 2024 Reds are well along toward being a competitive team). One of the first choices you'll have to make is whether you want to replay seasons using actual stats (recalculate each year to determine player ratings), or (my choice) to use the game engine for random development using present ratings. In this mode you'll want to think about how much "Talent Change Randomness" or "TCR" you want. The default is 100, which should yield very stable development from existing ratings. I usually advance to 150 or so, making things less predictable, but more challenging.

On injuries, while they are very much a part of the game, a devastating loss of a player can really disrupt what you are trying to accomplish. I set injuries to low, which basically means you still have a risk with guys who have a long injury history, but should not lose guys who have been healthy throughout their careers. I don't mind the short-term injuries, and in fact they can present a real challenge in making lineups and dipping into your farm system for subs.

The good basic advice, whatever your settings, is to plunge in, create a season. get the feel for play. Save and backup often. You may want to go back and have a "re-do" with new settings. However you start, odds are you'll learn and do it differently the next time. The possibilities are vast and fun to explore. Enjoy!