Stephen Bywater's arrival at Pride Park caused a few eyebrows to be raised, not because of his actual arrival but because of the way in which it happened. He was signed on an initial "emergency" loan on August 12th just one minute before the noon deadline and made his debut later that day in the Rams' 2-1 win at Hull City, the intention being to make the move permanent on August 27th. His arrival took Billy Davies' transfer acquisitions to three in as many days.

Manchester-born Bywater began his career at Rochdale before being picked up by West Ham in 1998, while still a teenager. He has since made over 60 appearances for West Ham and has also had loan spells at Wycombe Wanderers, Hull, Wolves, Cardiff City and Coventry. He has also earned six England U-21 caps while with West Ham.

On January 31st 2008, Stephen joined Ipswich Town on loan for the remainer of the 2007/8 season after a spell on the sidelines injured.

RamZone rating: 5/10

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