Jack Payne Set to Make 100th Appearance for Colchester United

Jack Payne has spent most of his career on the move. This weekend, he reaches a milestone that finally feels like home.

The Colchester United playmaker is set to make his 100th appearance for the U’s, a landmark he has never previously managed at any other club in a career that has taken him across the EFL.

“It’s the first time I’ve actually played 100 games for one club,” the 31-year-old said. “It shouldn’t have taken this long, but I’m really glad to reach the 100 mark.”

For Payne, Colchester has been different. He arrived in Essex in 2024 and immediately became the heartbeat of a side fighting for its Football League status. He won the club’s player of the season award in 2024-25 as United clung on to their League Two place, 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 games, numbers that underline why Colchester moved quickly to keep him this summer.

“This is my third season here, and I’ve only ever done that once at any other club,” he said. “I really enjoy myself here, and I want to make that many more.”

Payne’s CV is long. Southend United, Huddersfield Town, Lincoln City, Swindon Town and Charlton Athletic have all had him on their books. Oxford United, Blackburn Rovers, Bradford City and MK Dons have used his craft on loan. It has been a restless journey.

“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.”

That sense of belonging was tested in the summer. Manager Danny Cowley revealed to BBC Essex that Colchester had turned down bids for their creator-in-chief during the transfer window, a clear statement of how central he is to their plans.

“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.”

On the pitch this season, the numbers have stalled. Payne set up Colchester’s first League goal of the campaign in the 2-2 draw at Accrington, but he has not added another goal or assist in the five league games since.

He isn’t panicking.

“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.”

A century of appearances, bids turned away, a fanbase that has taken him in. For Jack Payne, Colchester is no longer just another stop on the circuit. It’s the place where the journeyman finally wants to put down roots – and see how far he can take the U’s.