One More Ranking

 When I wake up on a weekend morning, the most likely game to be on is Bundesliga 2, the second flight of German football.  So one more ranking chart is called for.  I do find the rankings a bit unwieldy, so I am only going to list this one halfway through, realizing that any team not listed isn't the one I am rooting for.

Enter my friend Datum:

Considering your preference for FC St. Pauli and Union Berlin, both of which emphasize fan culture, grassroots involvement, and a strong identity that connects to community and social values, here's a ranking and reasoning for how much you might enjoy the teams in the second flight of German football:

1. Schalke

Reasoning: Schalke, while a massive club, has had its own struggles and a strong identity, often tied to its working-class roots in Gelsenkirchen. Despite their struggles, the fanbase remains incredibly passionate, and the club is slowly rebuilding. Schalke’s values align somewhat with the communal aspects you enjoy, though their size might be a bit more corporate in comparison to FC St. Pauli and Union Berlin. Still, their strong fan culture and deep ties to the community are key.

2. Darmstadt

Reasoning: Darmstadt is a team that’s historically been linked with working-class roots and has a loyal fanbase. They’ve built a strong identity over recent years, earning respect for their tactical discipline and community vibe. While not as counter-cultural as FC St. Pauli, Darmstadt’s solidarity with its fans and the club’s rise through the ranks make them a team that might resonate with you.

3. Karlsruher SC

Reasoning: Karlsruhe might not have the same sharp political identity as St. Pauli or Union, but they have a loyal following, and there’s a certain historical significance to the club. Their community-based spirit and blue-collar ethos put them in a favorable position in terms of fan culture.

4. Arminia Bielefeld

Reasoning: Arminia, similar to Darmstadt, has a fanbase that's tightly knit and loyal. While they might not have the same punk, anti-fascist edge as FC St. Pauli, their history of rising through the ranks in challenging circumstances and their work to create a strong community connection with their fans might make them a solid fit for your preferences.

5. Eintracht Braunschweig

Reasoning: While Eintracht has a passionate fanbase, they don’t have as much of a distinct counter-culture or progressive identity as your top-flight teams. Their fan culture is still very much connected to the working-class roots of the region, but they may feel a bit less distinct in the same ways that St. Pauli and Union Berlin do.

6. Preußen Münster

Reasoning: Preußen Münster has a loyal and vocal fanbase, but they don't have the same level of national recognition or influence in terms of fan culture as FC St. Pauli or Union. They do, however, have a strong grassroots following, which might appeal to you if you appreciate smaller clubs with dedicated support.

7. SV Elversberg

Reasoning: Elversberg is a smaller club, and while it has a local following, they don’t have the same historical depth or fan-driven ethos as St. Pauli or Union. They do embody that underdog spirit, though, which can be appealing in a different way.

8. Paderborn

Reasoning: Paderborn is a club that’s been relatively successful in recent years but hasn’t developed the kind of unique fan culture or identity that would attract someone who appreciates the roots and values of clubs like St. Pauli or Union. Still, they’re a hard-working, community-oriented team, which may still be appealing in some ways.

9. Dynamo Dresden

Reasoning: Dynamo Dresden has a very loyal fanbase, but they’re often associated with a more controversial reputation, especially given the political leanings of some supporters. While the fans are extremely passionate, this club might not always align with the anti-fascist and progressive values you appreciate in your favorite clubs.

10. Holstein Kiel

Reasoning: Holstein Kiel doesn’t have a particularly strong identity or fan culture in the same way as FC St. Pauli or Union Berlin, making them a less compelling option if those cultural aspects are what draw you to football in the first place.