Monday 21 July 2014 16:14, UK
Bradford coach James Lowes praised his players after they "went down fighting" against Huddersfield.
The Bulls saw their hopes of Super League survival come to an end when they were beaten 52-26 at the John Smith's Stadium, a result that leaves them 13 points from safety with six games to play.
We'll get the ball rolling on plan B, which has rapidly become plan A. Things will start happening hopefully in the next few weeks as regards recruitment.
Yet despite the difficulty of the afternoon, Lowes - who is yet to enjoy a victory since taking over from Francis Cummins - was delighted with the spirit shown in defeat.
"The lads definitely went down fighting and they will for the rest of the season," he said. "We know where we're at now, that's definite, but with that sort of character, they will get a win before the end of the year.
"I think the lads did themselves justice. I though they went about their business really well.
"We just weren't clinical enough, particularly in the first half, which is a shame really because I thought we were slightly the better side for most of that half."
Bradford have yet to announce whether they will continue their High Court battle to win back the six points they were docked for going into administration but the players and their coach are resigned to life in the Championship next year.
Lowes is now ready to begin preparing for a season in the second tier, though he also wants to end the current one on a high.
"I've been in this stadium a few times before, popping champagne," he said. "It's a sad sight.
"We want to play back at the very top and what we've got to do now is finish this season off in the right manner, prepare in pre-season for a tough Championship year, target the top four and then the top four of Super League and that gets us up.
"That's our challenge. I'm certainly up for that and the guys who will be stopping will certainly be up for it as well.
"We'll get the ball rolling on plan B, which has rapidly become plan A. Things will start happening hopefully in the next few weeks as regards recruitment."
