‘Unparalleled energy levels’ – Swindon Town reaction to Jack Payne’s Charlton Athletic switch

Charlton have announced their latest recruit – Jack Payne on a free transfer after he rejected a new contract at Swindon Town.

Swindon Advertiser reporter Jonny Leighfield has given us his verdict on the 27-year-old midfielder.

WOULD YOU HAVE LIKED TO KEEP PAYNE?

I think 99 per cent of people associated with the club would have liked Payne to stay, but few would begrudge him the chance to make the step back up after two seasons in League Two where he was always a standout player.

HOW DID HE DO AT SWINDON?

He was consistently a top performer. He won the Swindon Advertiser STFC Player of the Year in 2020-21 and he was close again last season too. Payne scored a number of really important goals during his time at Swindon and never gave anything less than 100 per cent. A supporter’s dream of a player.

WHAT’S HIS BEST POSITION?

His best position can be either a number eight or a number 10, picking the ball up between the lines and making things happen. He’s got a fantastic long-range strike on him, and he presses for 90 minutes in whichever position he plays.

DID HE WORK WELL UNDER GARNER?

Absolutely. Garner loves his players to press and keep the ball – something Payne was very good at. Aside from a three month lay-off last term, Payne was an ever-present under Garner and there is a reason why the Charlton boss went back for Payne.

BEST ATTRIBUTES?

His incredible energy levels, his long-distance shooting, his clutch penalty-taking, and his fight. The energy levels are unparalleled though.

ANY WEAKNESSES?

Due to his size, obviously physically he can struggle but he’ll never give up the fight. I guess the reason he’s not playing higher could be down to consistency, a few injuries, or his stature, but overall there are very few glaring weaknesses to pick at.

PICTURE: CAFC