Meppen

The Case For Them

Here is the argument for Meppen: Germany, Germany 3. Liga, and a ground called Hänsch-Arena. A second team should give you something your first one cannot, and this is a different country's whole weather system.

• Close to the pitch

  Hänsch-Arena holds about 13,241. You can hear the defenders shouting at each other, which is the single best argument for lower-capacity football.

• You get a nickname

  Known as SVM. That is your new shorthand, your search term and your excuse for buying a scarf.

• Worth the journey

  Nearest airport is Groningen Airport Eelde (GRQ), roughly 66km out. This is not a casual away day, which is precisely why the people who do it take it seriously.

• The calendar you inherit

  Germany 3. Liga is cold-weather football: mud in February, breath visible under the lights, and a fixture list that rewards anyone who sticks it out. Germany does not do easy neutrals.