You'll find that you might get one or two players (depending on who you start with) that should make a difference. But you'll notice the difference in quality between teams and your own tactics make the difference. I've managed to beat Wigan for example but just lost to Blackburn drew with Wolves and got battered by Manure. A very mixed bag which the results were as-so because of completely differing reasons. I think it's going to be a struggle for a while even with a larger bank balance.
Oh, while I'm on that point, you pay your fan club costs, coach, scout etc a month into the season. I had something like 30mil which turned out to be closer to 7 to spend and most players told me to FO anyway.