Matt Holland admits Ipswich Town need to buck their ideas up fast if they're to launch a successful promotion bid from Division One.
The Blues' hopes of getting back in the Premiership suffered an early blow on Monday night as they crashed to a shock 2-1 defeat against Bradford.
Darren Bent nodded them in front but Paul Evans and Michael Proctor seven minutes from time hit back to secure the Bantams an unlikely win at Portman Road.
And dejected Town skipper Holland said: "We need to improve in every department if we're to achieve our goal of promotion.
"It was a very disappointing and frustrating night. We defended poorly and that cost us dearly, especially with their winner.
"The harsh reality is that we've slipped below the required standard in our last two games.
"We can't afford to do that if we've got aspirations of promotion, especially against a side we should have beaten at home.
"I thought we were more than worthy of a point, when you look at the game in terms of chances and possession."
John McGreal could make his Ipswich comeback in tomorrow's UEFA Cup clash with Avenir Beggen. The defender has been sidelined with an ankle injury.
Two out-of-favour Ipswich players are close to agreeing loan moves away from Portman Road.
Ulrich Le Pen could be on his way back to France to join Strasbourg, while Amir Karic is on the brink of a switch to Hibernian.
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Published Wednesday August 28, 2002
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