Blackburn Rovers will hope their shift to appoint a 'Chief Football Scout' will ease the power dynamic in the recruitment team.

The surprise about John Park's exit this week was more about timing than perhaps the decision itself. Having only arrived back at Ewood Park in the summer, the experienced recruitment expert called time after five months.

Whilst Rovers have logistical challenges outside of their control to navigate in the summer window, their recruitment drive, particularly as we entered pre-season, felt laboured. That was down to a power struggle, too many voices and contrasting approaches to deciding on the right recruits.

Losing Park's experience is a big blow. It leaves Rudy Gestede, in his first year as Head of Football Operations, supported by Adam Owen. John Eustace and Steve Waggott, of course, also have their input.

In their statement confirming Park's second exit, Rovers confirmed they would be replacing him. However, that role will no longer be 'Head of Recruitment' and instead Chief Football Scout. The job is advertised on the Rovers website, alongside a Football Scout and Video Analyst Scout.

The job description reads as follows: "To build and lead our recruitment department ensuring it integrates modern data analytics, video scouting, and traditional scouting expertise. This is a key leadership position at the club, with the opportunity to shape the future of our on-field success."

That is perhaps a shift in title to represent someone who is responsible for spotting and identifying talent. Rather than someone who will necessary make the deciding call on whether that target is pursued or who should be prioritised.

Sean Kimberley was more of a talent spotter than a recruitment driver, as was Gus Williams, though neither of them lasted much longer. Rovers lent on Park's experience to help guide Gestede but in the end, the balance was not as hoped.

In truth, that role probably fits better in the grand structure at Rovers. Gestede, basically as Director of Football, is in charge of leading the team and Park's dwarfing experience and the autonomy he held in that position two years ago was an uncomfortable fit.

Owen arrived as Head of Technical, with his main responsibilities to oversee the alignment between Academy and first-team. However, he did play a huge role in the identification of Yuki Ohashi, a name suggested by an agent, highlighting Owen's contacts throughout the global game.

The set-up will perhaps be more balanced with these tweaks in titles but there is a vacuum of experience. Gestede will have to prove he has the necessary gumption to lead a recruitment team that faces its financial challenges.

Ultimately, the quality of those spotting talent will only be judged by the ones Blackburn Rovers sign. As previously reported, there is an expectation that Rovers will have room to bolster in January and that is what Eustace wants.

The last two New Year windows have brought national headlines rather than any mid-season boost. If Rovers can stay in the mix, the work they do in January could be season-defining, where in years gone past it has proven to be a sliding doors moment.