Staying confident - Southend United's Gus Scott-Morriss
(Image: Lucy Copsey)
By Chris Phillips@cjphillips1982Chief sports reporter
GUS Scott-Morriss has been disappointed with Southend United's season so far.
But the popular wing-back is still backing the Shrimpers to turn things around.
Blues take on Hartlepool United at Roots Hall tomorrow, sitting 14th in the National League standings.
However, Scott-Morriss knows it is not too late for Kevin Maher's side to turn things around.
"It's been disappointing so far this season," admits Scott-Morriss.
"Knowing what we've been here the last couple of years, we've been a very good side deprived of a bit of support.
"Unfortunately we had the opposite this summer where we've lost a few players and taken a little backward step.
"We know it's going to benefit the team and the club in the long run but it's been disappointing.
"Saying that, there's still a lot to play for and we must only be six or seven points outside the play-offs which isn't a lot.
"There's plenty of football still to be played so we're not in the worst spot in the world."
The Shrimpers have also started to show more consistency in recent weeks.
Blues have won their last two matches to make it four unbeaten.
And Scott-Morriss feels improvements are being made.
"There's a better consistency now, especially in terms of our morals and how we trying to get across that so everyone is on board," said the wing-back.
"A change in players probably delayed us a little bit but that's not because of the players, it's the gaffer trying to get the messages across to them which can take time.
"We're all buying into that now and hopefully we can back the two wins up to make it back to back wins in the league."
However, Blues have yet to beat Hartlepool United in the National League.
And Scott-Morriss is predicting another tricky afternoon.
"They've always been a tough team and I think going to their place is one of the toughest places to go in the league," said Scott-Morriss.
"They've shown what they're about when they come to us as well and they've got some good players.
"The striker is very handy so we will have to be on our best behaviour at the back to keep him quiet."
Scott-Morriss is keen to help Blues come back out on top and will head into the game feeling refreshed after being rested for Saturday's FA Trophy win at Brentwood Town.
"Windy (George Wind) deserved a chance to go and prove himself," said Scott-Morriss.
"He was a bit hard done by after Rochdale away coming out of the team but we needed that competition and it's certainly helped me this season.
"Hopefully I'll get picked this weekend but it was a nice rest."
And Scott-Morriss is also targetting a return to the score-sheet.
The 27-year-old kicked off the campaign with nine goals in 12 games but has now not netted in his last 10 games.
"It's funny how football goes sometimes," said Scott-Morriss.
"I couldn't do anything wrong at the start but the last period I've been searching for it lately.
"That's what happens in football though and hopefully I'll get a little tap in again on Saturday."
The stats are also on Scott-Morriss' side this weekend as he has never gone more than 10 games without a goal for the Shrimpers.
