1) cut costs. thin your squad. i would suggest 12 players. be ready to fire people -- not too many people would be interested in a bench player who makes 1000 dollars a week.
2) read the help forum. most important skill to master is training.
3) you might be able to pick up a decent player or two from the Transfer List. No need to do this until you understand how the players are rated and get a feel for costs (what a good player is for you at your level is not the same as for div. IV, and so on).
4) read the help forum.
5) pay attention to how experienced players in your conference play the game -- size of squad, tactics, size of arena, costs (including staff).
6) read the help forum.
good luck. this game is quite a challenge.