Bywater Is Buzzing To Be Back

STEPHEN Bywater has had a hectic couple of weeks after firstly being re-called from his loan spell with Coventry to act as cover for Shaka Hislop when Roy Carroll got injured and then being thrown on against West Brom on Saturday when Shaka had to brought off.

Stephen said "I was obviously gutted for Shaka when he was brought off but it felt good when I knew I was coming on. I was told ten minutes before so had plenty of time to prepare myself mentally and get warmed up then I just went on and did the business. It is always hard to come into a game at that stage especially as a 'keeper, but it's part of the job to keep your head and just get on with things and that's what I did.

Stephen was making a big impression at Coventry but is happy to be back with the Hammers for now.

"I was enjoying my time at Coventry as I was playing every week and felt like I was doing well but West Ham are my Club and it's great to be back for now. I was on the bench at Anfield which was a brilliant experience and then obviously came on to play a part at the weekend in front of a home crowd which was really special. I was always still looking out for the results at West Ham and have been delighted with their start to the season as there is such a great bunch of lads here who all really deserve it, so now it is nice to be a part of it."

Stephen believes team spirit is a key factor in West Ham United's success so far and has no doubt they will maintain their Premiership status as a result.

"I really believe the team can stay up this season. The new lads that have come in have really added something to the team so it is definitely a good enough squad to stay in the League. The first thing I noticed when I came back was the buzz around the place, it is so positive which makes such a difference on the field - you can see it when the lads play. Hopefully we can get a few more points on the board before Christmas and be safe sooner rather than later."