diff --git a/fifa17-recon/tools/fut_store.py b/fifa17-recon/tools/fut_store.py
index 71f3e1c..3946a07 100644
--- a/fifa17-recon/tools/fut_store.py
+++ b/fifa17-recon/tools/fut_store.py
@@ -149,6 +149,22 @@ class Store:
         sq = self.load()["squads"]
         return sq[0] if sq else None
 
+    def reconstruct_squad(self, squad):
+        """FIFA's updateActiveSquad PUT stores each slot as itemData={id:<clubItemId>}
+        (a reference). Re-embed the FULL club item by id so the squad reloads with
+        real players instead of empty slots ('active squad resets')."""
+        by_id = {it["id"]: it for it in self.items()}
+        out = dict(squad)
+        players = []
+        for pl in squad.get("players", []):
+            iid = (pl.get("itemData") or {}).get("id", 0)
+            if iid and iid in by_id:
+                players.append({**pl, "itemData": by_id[iid]})
+            else:
+                players.append(pl)
+        out["players"] = players
+        return out
+
     def new_item_id(self):
         with _LOCK:
             p = self.load(); i = p["nextItemId"]; p["nextItemId"] += 1; self._save()
diff --git a/fifa17-recon/tools/utas_server.py b/fifa17-recon/tools/utas_server.py
index e7d0f28..9e8b2e2 100755
--- a/fifa17-recon/tools/utas_server.py
+++ b/fifa17-recon/tools/utas_server.py
@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@ def squad_route(h):
             STORE.save_squad(sq)
             return 200, sq
     saved = STORE.active_squad()
-    return 200, (saved if saved else SQUAD)
+    return 200, (STORE.reconstruct_squad(saved) if saved else SQUAD)
 
 
 # ---- STORE / PACKS (first-cut; iterate against the log) ---------------------