Followed the topic and have enjoyed your journey!
THis inspired me to start with Villa.
I did a couple of similar things - brought in Schjelderup and Thuram, otherwise we have had somewhat different journeys. My arrows have been pointing upwards and upwards. I have played three seasons:
1. season: 4. in PL.
2. season: 1. in PL, round of 16. CL.
3. season, 1. in PL, 1. in Cl.
I have the youngest team in the PL, and are 12. on the wage list.
This is my starting eleven when everyone is fit:
The stats for this season:
Going for the PL-hatrick next season. No big players coming in in the summer, new RB & CB next priority. But I have enough cash to buy big if the right player comes my way.
Cheers from Norway!