Colchester United have signed midfielder Jack Payne on a two-year contract. Payne, 29, recently left Charlton Athletic after his contract expired. Last season, he spent time at MK Dons on loan where he made 40 appearances in League Two.
Payne began his football career at Southend United, playing a crucial role in their success in the League Two play-offs in 2014. He later moved to Lincoln City, where he worked with current Colchester United boss Danny Cowley.
Payne expressed excitement about joining the team and spoke of his previous work with Cowley. “I’ve worked with Danny before and we keep in touch generally,” said Payne in an interview with Colchester’s website. “When the summer came and I became a free agent, discussions started taking place.”
With a history of promoting teams in all three English Football League divisions, Payne brings valuable experience and talent to the Colchester United squad. His versatility and skillset will be useful assets for the team as they prepare for future seasons.