IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell today reflected on a nightmare week for the club and admitted he is still short of FIVE players – including three defenders.

The Blues boss has already made eight signings this summer, but conceded that his squad was still sub-standard after Saturday’s televised 7-1 humiliation at Peterborough United came five days after a 5-2 home defeat to Southampton.

With Ivar Ingimarsson (thigh) ruled out for at least another two weeks and Tommy Smith suspended following his straight red card at London Road, Town have just one fit centre-back in Damien Delaney heading into Saturday’s home game against Leeds.

“I’ve got a manager of a Premier League club coming back to me this morning about an offer I made last night,” said Jewell, who subsequently confirmed it to be a permanent transfer bid rather than a loan one.

“We are definitely a couple of centre-backs short, maybe we need someone to push Carlos (Edwards) at right-back, we need another midfielder and a forward thinking player too, whether that be a wide player or someone who can play through the middle.

“I’m aware we need to strengthen more than anybody, I see the players every day, but the key thing is that we are not wasteful with our money.

“I’m getting fed up of saying how many enquiries I’ve made for players, both at home and abroad. You name it and we’ve looked there.

“As you can imagine I was on the phone first thing Sunday morning trying to get players in. It’s not for me to talk about other clubs, but I can promise you I’ve made enquiry after enquiry.

“I keep saying this though, Premier League clubs want to operate with big squads and they are waiting to see who they can bring in before the transfer window closes before discussing letting people go.”

Town have been linked with 22-year-old Aston Villa defender Shane Lowry, but the EADT and Evening Star understands that the Australian is not the player the club has made a bid for.