Southend United manager Kieron Dyer looks set to raid his former club as his side continues their preparations for the 2026/27 National League season.
The Shrimpers have been busy in the transfer market thus far, recruiting the likes of Lewys Twamley, Anthony Hartigan and Darren Oldaker as their rebuild continues, following their FA Trophy triumph last season.
On the flip side, the club has lost their fair share of talent – further proving that the 2026/27 season will be a fresh Southend United side once again.
Southend plot League Two raid
Though Southend have replaced players in other areas of the pitch, one player they are yet to replace is Gus Scott-Morriss.
Scott-Morriss scored the winning penalty to secure Southend’s triumph at Wembley in May, but has since departed the National League side after his contract came to an end – linking up with League Two side Oldham Athletic.
However, it appears as though Shrimpers fans won’t need to wait much longer to see who their next right-back is set to be.
According to a report from journalist Pete O’Rourke, Southend United are working on a deal to sign defender Vontae Daley-Campbell on a free transfer, following his departure from Dyer’s former side, Chesterfield.
The 25-year-old made 23 appearances for the Spireites last season, contributing to two goals – more than doubling his minutes from the previous campaign – though this proved to be his final year with the club.
Daley-Campbell has had spells with Leicester City and Cardiff City during the early stages of his career and finds himself as a free agent.
Is he the replacement for Scott-Morriss?
During the summer so far, Southend United have signed several former EFL players – hinting that they wanted a side containing more experience as opposed to the one they had last season.
Daley-Campbell has also worked closely with Dyer at Chesterfield during his two-year stint – suggesting that the coach knows his target a lot more than a typical transfer.
However, Scott-Morriss left major holes to be filled, as a result of his experience, individual quality and his goal contributions – characteristics that likely can’t be replaced by a single player.
Similarly, the 25-year-old has experienced his fair share of injury issues throughout his career so far, suggesting he is a risky addition for Southend – even despite his experience and relationship with Dyer.
If he can stay fit, Dyer will know how to get the best out of his new right-back, but asking him to try to replace the goals left by Scott-Morriss is a huge ask, which is where other members of the Southend squad need to step up.
