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. He believes Sealey is guiding his way in football.