Jack Payne Approaches 100 Appearances for Colchester United
Jack Payne is about to hit a landmark that has somehow always eluded him – and he wants it to be just the start at Colchester United, not the end of a cycle.
The 31-year-old playmaker is set to make his 100th appearance for the U’s this weekend, a century of games he admits has taken far too long to arrive in a career full of movement.
"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."
For Colchester, that 100 has been anything but empty mileage. Since arriving in Essex in 2024, Payne has been at the heart of almost everything good the club have done. He won the club’s player of the season award in 2024-25 as the U’s clung on to their Football League status, then took his form across the division to earn a place in the EFL League Two Team of the Year.
Across his 99 games so far, he has delivered 22 goals and 18 assists – serious output for a midfielder in a side fighting at the wrong end of the table more often than not.
No wonder he feels at home.
"I really enjoy myself here, and I want to make that many more," he said. "This is my third season here, and I've only ever done that once at any other club."
That line tells the story of his career. Southend United, Huddersfield Town, Lincoln City, Swindon Town, Charlton Athletic – all stops on a winding route. Oxford United, Blackburn Rovers, Bradford City and MK Dons on loan. Always packing, always moving on.
"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."
The feeling is mutual. 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 is to the project.
Payne heard the noise. He just never considered walking away.
"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."
On the pitch this season, the numbers have stalled a little. Payne created Colchester’s first League goal of the campaign in the 2-2 draw at Accrington, but has not added another goal or assist in the five matches since.
The concern belongs to others, not to him.
"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."
So the 100th game comes with a twist. For once in his career, Payne isn’t wondering where he’ll be next. He’s wondering how far he can take Colchester – and how many more milestones he can write in blue and white.
