Queens Park Rangers were able to sign one player during the transfer window and will have to rely on the loan market if they are to have any hope of competing this season.

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An opening day defeat to Preston North End at Deepdale got Steve McClaren’s men off to the worst possible start.

The R's only managed two efforts of their eight on target and less than 36 per cent of possession last week with a pass success rate of just 63 per cent.

It is common knowledge now that McClaren needs to use the young and bring them through, as well as incorporate his current squad around the new influx of academy products. 

On current evidence, they will be lucky to compete with their current side, so the loan window will be crucial.

Rangers have three weeks to get regular loan deals confirmed.

They have a lack of depth and to be honest, if you give a new signing in Toni Leistner, who has never played in the Championship, the captaincy, then you have an issue.

There are plenty of other players that could have been given the armband: Matt Smith, Jake Bidwell, even Massimo Luongo. 

With the news that Tony Fernandes’ time as QPR co-chairman is ‘coming to a close’, there could yet be more uncertainty at Loftus Road.

If the club can get the loan window right and manage to compete above what many feel will be a relegation scrap this term, then Fernandes may change his mind - although doubtful.

What he won’t want is Rangers to get relegated and dilute the value of the club if he is looking to sell his stakes.

It started off as a tough season for QPR, but now it could well be even more difficult than anyone could have imagined.