The fragile nature of West Ham's squad was exposed by League Two Aldershot as the 10-man Hammers crashed out of the Carling Cup.
With 15 players having left the club in the wake of relegation, Sam Allardyce had no option than to hand 19-year-old Callum McNaughton his senior debut in this first-round tie.
The move backfired just after half-time when McNaughton was sent off for fouling Danny Hylton and West Ham, who were leading 1-0 through Junior Stanislas, were then run ragged by Dean Holdsworth's team.
Luke Guttridge equalised in the 75th minute and Hylton hit the winner with two minutes to go, leaving Allardyce to explain why his side were victims of a cup shock.
"As a squad we haven't quite got the strength-in depth some people think," said the manager."Lots of players have left so the quicker we get the new players up to match fitness, the better. A lot of our lads need more games. Players like John Carew and George McCartney have joined us late and this is one of the products of the transfer window and relegation. You have to be patient and wait for the players you want. When they come it's late into pre-season and the match fitness is not there.
"We would have won the game if it had stayed 11 v 11 - that's the reality. I live in reality while most people in football live in perception."
One possible arrival is former Fulham player Papa Bouba Diop, who is a free agent after being released by Greek club AEK Athens. The 33-year-old can play in midfield and central defence.
West Ham are poised to make an improved offer for MK Dons striker Sam Baldock.
