EXPERIENCED goalkeeper Stephen Bywater has joined Burton Albion until the end of the season - subject to international clearance.
The former Derby County stopper is re-joining manager Nigel Clough and goalkeeping coach Martin Taylor and will provide back up and competition for Jon McLaughlin following the return of loanee Remi Matthews to Norwich.The 34-year-old is a former England Under 21 international who made his name at West Ham before spending five years with the Rams. He has more recently played for Gillingham and Doncaster but has just returned to the UK after playing his football out in India for Kerala Blasters.
He said: “Yes, India was an experience. I got the call last summer to go out there with Peter Taylor but I’m back now and happy to join Burton. They are on a good run and hopefully will have a good end to the season.
“I knew the club was interested in a goalkeeper and we had a chat. Martin Taylor was the goalkeeping coach at Derby and now he’s here that was a big attraction for me. I wanted to join the team as I know he will do well at Burton. The sessions we do keep you on your toes. As a keeper 90 per cent of the time you deal with the goalkeeping coach so that’s important.”
Bywater has met the squad and seen the team spirit in the club.
“They are a great set of lads and there’s a good atmosphere around the dressing room. I’m excited for the team. I came to the Blackpool game to watch and the support was really good.
“Training has been good and sharp and I know how they work and I know that Martin Taylor will get the best out of the keepers.
“You have a team that’s has got a lot of clean sheets and who are top of the league and I’m here to add to that and to a squad that’s hopefully going to do well. There are no negatives really. I’m here to enjoy myself and be part of a squad that’s hopefully going for promotion.”