Jack Payne Set to Reach 100 Appearances for Colchester United
Jack Payne is about to hit a landmark he’s never reached before – and he wants to stick around long enough to smash through a few more.
The Colchester United playmaker is set to make his 100th appearance for the U’s this weekend, a first in a career built on short stays and constant movement. At 31, the midfielder finally feels rooted.
“It’s the first time I’ve actually played 100 games for one club,” Payne said. “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.”
A home after years on the road
Payne arrived in Essex in 2024 and immediately became the heartbeat of a side fighting for its place in the EFL. He won Colchester’s player of the season award in 2024-25 as the club clung on to their Football League status, and his influence was recognised across the division with a place in the EFL League Two Team of the Year.
Since signing, he has delivered 22 goals and 18 assists in 99 appearances – numbers that underline why Colchester have built so much of their attacking play around him.
His CV is long. Southend United, Huddersfield Town, Lincoln City, Swindon Town, Charlton Athletic. Loan spells at Oxford United, Blackburn Rovers, Bradford City and MK Dons. A career spent packing bags, learning new dressing rooms, adapting on the fly.
“I’ve moved more often than I would have liked over the years for various different reasons,” he admitted. “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.”
Interest rebuffed and commitment made
That impact has not gone unnoticed. Manager Danny Cowley revealed to BBC Essex that Colchester turned down bids for Payne in the summer window, a clear sign of how central he remains to their plans.
For Payne, the attention was flattering. The outcome, though, was never in doubt.
“It’s nice to hear and I’m obviously doing something right if people from elsewhere are looking to pay money for you,” he 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.”
Trust in the numbers to come
This season started with Payne immediately on the board for creativity, setting up Colchester’s first League goal of the campaign in a 2-2 draw at Accrington. Since then, five matches have passed without another goal or assist.
He is not remotely rattled.
“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.”
One hundred games will arrive this weekend. The more intriguing question for Colchester fans is how many more he’ll rack up in blue and white – and how far his influence can drag the club up the table this time, rather than just keep it alive.
