Kieran Bywater has become the latest casualty of the Development Squad cull at Chadwell Heath.

The 19-year-old Manchester-born midfielder has confirmed that he will be leaving West Ham United this year having failed to secure a new contract.Speaking via his Twitter account this lunchtime, the 18-year-old said: "I am not signing a new contract after this season with West Ham United and just want to thank everyone at the Academy to getting me where I am."Looking forward to a new challenge in my career - wherever it is going to be."Bywater, who was short-listed for the Dylan Tombides Award (for West Ham's outstanding Academy scholar) in 2013/14 signed his first professional contract with West Ham last summer.However he is just one of a number of Development Squad players whose time at West Ham is coming to an end, with new Under 21 manager Steve Potts overseeing sweeping changes to the squad.20-year-old Elliott Lee is another likely to move out ahead of the transfer window deadline with Southend expressing an interest.Shrimpers boss Phil Brown told the Echo this week: "I've been interested in bringing Elliot Lee to the football and that hasn't changed."