Stephen Michael Bywater (born 7 June 1981) is an English former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He has made appearances for thirteen clubs, most notably for Derby County, where he made over 150 appearances and won the 2007 Championship play-off Final and for West Ham United, where he spent eight seasons, made over 60 appearances and won the 2005 Championship play-off Final. He is also a former England Under-21 international. Bywater has worn the number 43 shirt in memory of his mentor and coach, Les Sealey, who died aged 43 in 2001.