Bywater set to join as back-up to Gomes

Last updated : 31 July 2008 By Gareth Davies

Just when you thought there was nothing left to surprise you this transfer window, Derby County have confirmed that reserve goalkeeper Stephen Bywater is set move to White Hart Lane.

In one of this summer's more puzzling moves Bywater, 27, is expected to become Heurelho Gomes' understudy following the departure of Paul Robinson and Radek Cerny. SpursMAD understands that the former West Ham stopper will have a medical tomorrow and the deal has been confirmed by Derby Manager Paul Jewell.

He said: "Tottenham came in with a bid for Stephen and the player is very keen to go, which is fully understandable.

"I would like to have kept him but it is a move which appeals to him and we wish him well."

Bywater was the first choice goalkeeper at Pride Park for the first few months of last season but was sent out on loan to Ipswich after conceding 42 goals - four of which came against his new teammates - in 18 Premier League games.

Bywater: Catch it if you can (he didn't)



























Having returned to the club he has found himself third in the picking order behind Roy Carroll and Lewis Price.

The deal is all the more baffling because of how willing we were to let Radek Cerny join QPR earlier this summer. Granted Paul Robinson was never going to be happy with another season on the sidelines but surely Cerny represented a more proven back-up than Bywater.

Bywater, however, is sure to join the club on a high and has never lacked confidence. Before the 2007-08 season it was reported that he felt he was good enough for a place in the England team.

"I grew up with a few of the lads like Paul Robinson, Rob Green and Chris Kirkland and they are good but I don't think they are anything special," he said. "I'm confident but not cocky."

With a move to White Hart Lane imminent it seems likely he will become familiar with another of Robinson's favourite haunts - a place on Juande Ramos' bench.