Recruitment: Lukewarm Scandinavia and the Plan B Problem

Not much to suggest any difference in approach between Stig and Rohl, and you can see why interaction might be limited. The clear line here is that the recruitment team and Rohl are trying to rebalance the squad quickly, with a real focus on getting deals done early to replace departures.

Why the Scandinavia problem matters

To be fair, scouting northern Europe has worked for us in the past, but if the interest is lukewarm it's a headache. The worry isn't just that we miss a single signing — it's the knock‑on effect. Preseason arrives, gaps remain, and suddenly we're scrambling for cover or forced into options we didn't want.

Plan B syndrome — it eats time

There’s a real frustration in the recruitment room when players see Rangers as a Plan B. Players will test the market for bigger moves, which is understandable, but from our point of view it wastes time and energy. Chasing players who are keeping us as a fallback leaves us exposed if those better opportunities come up for them late in the window.

What that means for the squad

The truth is we need clarity and momentum. If the priority is early business, then the recruitment team having deals ready to go is vital. That means being sharper on timelines, perhaps widening the net beyond the obvious Scandinavian names, and being ready to pivot to domestic or free agent options if necessary.

There’s no evidence of a boardroom bust‑up or anything dramatic — just the familiar tetchiness that comes when the market doesn’t cooperate. You can see why the team are irritated. Preseason preparations depend on certainty, and uncertainty breeds last‑minute panic.

So yes, I’d read your point as valid. The issue you flagged — targets seeing us as Plan B and interest from Scandinavia being tepid — is exactly the kind of annoyance the recruitment team seem to be dealing with. Fingers crossed they get the early business done and we go into pre‑season with clear reinforcements.

Written by EHL2020: 3 July 2026