Payne’s career has come full circle, having started out in Essex at Southend United.
After three seasons with the Shrimpers, that included the first of three career promotions, Payne moved to Huddersfield in June 2016 where he was part of the Terriers’ memorable promotion to the Premier League the following campaign.
“That was an amazing season,” said Payne, who went out on loan during the two seasons Huddersfield were in the top flight.
“I’ve been lucky enough to experience a few promotions [with Southend, Blackburn and Huddersfield] and I’m obviously proud to have played that many games.”
After loan spells with Oxford United, Bradford City and Blackburn, while he was on Huddersfield’s books, Payne secured permanent moves to Lincoln City, Swindon Town and Charlton Athletic between July 2019 and the summer of 2022.
His two years at The Valley included another loan spell with MK Dons last season where Payne came close to another promotion before the club lost the League Two play-off final to Crawley at Wembley.
He signed a two-year deal with Colchester in the summer and has played in every league game this season, chipping in with five goals.
“It’s been really nice being back in Essex,” he said.
“At 21, I moved up north and spent seven or eight years not really settling. I went out on loan and didn’t spend longer than one year at a club.
“It’s nice to be back home and in and around my family and I feel really settled off the pitch and that always makes life easier on it.”
