Varaždin

The Case For Them

Here is the argument for Varaždin: Croatia, Europe UEFA Europa Conference League, and a ground called Stadion Varteks. 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

  Stadion Varteks holds about 8,818. You can hear the defenders shouting at each other, which is the single best argument for lower-capacity football.

• Worth the journey

  Nearest airport is Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport (MBX), roughly 58km out. This is not a casual away day, which is precisely why the people who do it take it seriously.

• The calendar you inherit

  Following Europe UEFA Europa Conference League means odd kick-off hours, a new commentary language and a table you will check before your own club's. Croatia becomes part of your week.

• Old enough to matter

  1932 is the founding date, old enough that the club has survived a war, a rebuild and at least one financial scare, young enough that the good years are still in living memory.