Before going into Association mode, adjust the line up of the team of your choice so it'll have one of the worst rating in the league, and the start Association, don't pick the team of your choice, instead pick another team with Star players that you desire, waive him and resign position. If the team of your choice is the has the bottom 5 ratings, you should be able to chooes that team to manage, and you'll be able to sign the Star player you just waived for minimum salary for 1 year.