Colchester midfielder Payne sees long future with U's

Colchester United's Jack Payne says he is hoping to be with the U's for a long time as he prepares to make his 100th appearance for the club this weekend. The 31-year-old creative midfielder joined the Essex outfit in 2024, winning the player of the season award in 2024-2025 as they just avoided relegation out of the Football League. He was also named in the EFL League Two Team of the year that campaign, and has gone on to score 22 goals and make 18 assists in his 99 appearances so far. Payne said: "It's the first time I've actually played 100 games for one club. It shouldn't have taken this long, but I'm really glad to reach the 100 mark. "I really enjoy myself here, and I want to make that many more. This is my third season here, and I've only ever done that once at any other club." Payne has previously played for Southend United, Huddersfield Town, Lincoln City, Swindon Town and Charlton Athletic. He has also had loans spells at Oxford United, Blackburn Rovers, Bradford City and MK Dons. "I've moved more often than I would have liked over the years for various different reasons," he added. "I've felt settled here and hopefully I can be here for many more seasons. "The supporters have taken really well to me, and the club really suits me." Payne flattered by transfer interest Colchester boss Danny Cowley told BBC Essex the club had turned down bids for Payne in the summer transfer window. "It's nice to hear and I'm obviously doing something right if people from elsewhere are looking to pay money for you," Payne said. "I'd lie if I said it wasn't flattering to hear about that, but that was never going to happen. I was always going to be here past the window, and hopefully past a few more windows." Payne teed up Colchester's first League goal of the season in the 2-2 draw at Accrington, but has not scored or created another goal in the following five matches. "I never worry about those things as I know as long as I'm available and I'm playing goals and assists will come, he said. "It's just about making sure I'm available, making sure my performances are good and I feel good in myself." All the latest Colchester United news