GUS Scott-Morriss will be looking to avoid any close shaves when he clocks up a century of appearances for
Southend United this weekend.
Scott-Morriss will reach three figures when he lines up for the Shrimpers at Altrincham.
And Blues top-scorer will take to the pitch sporting a newly grown moustache for Movember.
“It’s for a good cause and for once I’ve actually been able to grow something,” laughed Scott-Morriss.
“A few lads have been doing it and we’re giving it a good go hopefully.
“Macauley Bonne is joining in, Cav (Miley) is too and Danny Waldron.
“Harry Taylor was thinking about it as well but I think he’s bottled it.
“In rankings with the ones doing it, I’d go Macca first because his one is outstanding. I’ll go second, Waldron third then Cav.
“Cav is struggling big time and I think he might have to draw one on soon!”
Movember is a charity scheme which sees men grow facial hair throughout the month of November to raise awareness of men’s health issues.
But Scott Morriss has often been a cut above the rest since signing for the Shrimpers!
The right-wing back has become a firm fans favourite since signing in the summer of 2022.
And he is delighted to be making his 100th appearance for Kevin Maher’s team.
“I’m really proud,” said Scott-Morriss.
“It’s come around really quickly and it only feels like yesterday I signed here.
“It’s been a great time with a few ups and lots of downs but on a personal note I would say it’s been the best time of my career.”
However, Scott-Morriss was forced to overcome extreme self doubt after joining.
“I had a lot of doubt in myself and didn’t know if I was good enough for the level,” said Scott-Morriss.
“I had an injury in pre-season too but I got chucked in after that and was a bit scared what might happen.
“But I scored on my home debut against Maidenhead and that goal settled me straight in.
“Ever since then I’ve not really looked back.”
And Scott-Morriss is therefore eager to keep on doing well.
“Hopefully I can get another 100 appearances,” said the wing-back.
“I must be doing something right to have got there.
“Touch wood, you’re keeping fit and playing and that’s all you want to be doing as a footballer.
“Hopefully I can carry on, keep on scoring goals and keep on playing.”
And Scott-Morriss is also keen to play his part in what he hopes will be a bright future after overcoming an extremely challenging period.
“I’ve seen the club go to its lowest in stages in a short spell and come out of that too,” said Scott-Morriss.
“Seeing the new owners coming in, going to the new training ground and you can see they’re trying to make things better at Roots Hall too.
“They’re trying to help the team and those small one percent things all add up.
"It’s refreshing to see people who are trying to help a football club and it’s nice to have that belief that it’s actually going to get back to where it should be.”
Scott-Morriss, who was voted player of the year by the fans last season, has already scored nine times this term.
But he still puts himself under immense pressure to perform.
"Coming into it late and now training every day puts a smile on my face but behind my closed doors I get angry with myself a lot of the time," said Scott-Morriss.
"I know I've had a lot of time where I've missed out on stuff and I put pressure on myself because I know I don't have long.
"I'm 27 so that's a fact.
"I put a lot of pressure on myself to get out there and do everything that I can.
"But as long as I'm playing football for a living I'll be smiling."
Scott-Morriss is also keen to secure success with the Shrimpers.
And he believes performances are now moving in the right direction.
"I think we had a slow start coming together in the last window but it's definitely gelling now," said Scott-Morriss.
"I think over the last month or so we've been playing a lot better.
"We're an honest group and before that we hadn't been playing very well.
"Recently we've been playing well and if you carry that on it's only a matter of time before we start picking up some wins."
The Shrimpers are currently 15th in the standings.
But Scott-Morriss feels Blues are facing another tough test this weekend.
"They're a good side and it's one of the toughest places to go and play at," said Scott-Morriss.
"It's always tricky there and they make it hard for you.
"They're kind of off the cuff but they have a lot of talent in their team.
"If you catch them on a good day it's a long day at the office but we know what we need to do and hopefully we can go there and get a result."
The Shrimpers were beaten 1-0 by Yeovil Town last weekend.
But Scott-Morriss is certain Blues can take heart from the way they battled with 10 men against the Glovers after goalkeeper Zach Jeacock had been sent off.
"It was a real shame how the goal happened and when," said Scott-Morriss.
"The management were ready to pull the trigger with the changes to go and win the game.
"It snuffled what was going to happen but we're never down and out and we'll take that into Saturday.
"Yeovil are in the play-offs and we matched them when we only had 10 players."
