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Bywater still looks to Sealey

Image: Bywater: Inspired by Sealey

Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Stephen Bywater says he still draws inspiration from his former mentor and coach Les Sealey.

Sealey, whose own playing career spanned 22 years and included spells at Coventry, Luton, Manchester United and West Ham, died at the age of 43 in August 2001 after a sudden heart attack and Bywater wears the number 43 on his shirt in tribute to the man who took him under his wing during his time at Upton Park. Bywater, who signed a permanent deal with Wednesday until the end of the season in December, said: "Les looked after me like a dad. He took me to training every day. It's a shame he died so young. I don't think there's a day that goes by without me thinking about him to be honest. "He's a legend in the world of goalkeeping. He's right up there and was a real character as well. I still think a lot about him. "When I'm in certain situations [on the pitch] I think: 'What would he do?' Whatever he'd do, I'd do the opposite, because that would be a bit more sensible! "Seriously, he looked after me and hopefully he's still looking after me."

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