Payne In The Neck: The Colchester Player Making Himself League Two's Biggest Nuisance

League One Sides are Starting to Feel the Payne

It was goals galore for Colchester United yesterday afternoon as a triumphant 4-1 win over Barnet edged them closer to a play-off spot.

However, the talking point of the match wasn't just the goals but the goal scorer, as 31-year-old midfielder Jack Payne netted his second hat-trick of the season.

The attacking midfielder has transformed from a clever attacking player to one of the league's most dangerous creative forces.

Why are we only hearing his name now? (best name in the business by the way)

Arthur Read x Jack Payne 😍😍 #colu pic.twitter.com/69gEn8g3vd

— 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏 ✞💫 (@this4harrison) February 7, 2026

Unbelievable Output

In quite rare fashion, Payne can find himself as one of the only players in the league ever to net a hat-trick twice in the same season.

On top of that, he has played only 1,904 minutes in the league, scoring 10 goals and assisting 5 times, which is a ridiculous output.

It also equals a goal involvement every 127 minutes of football that Payne plays.

His game, just like many other players', isn't just about stats, as he is dominating the midfield in every game that he plays.

Payne's hat-trick yesterday afternoon showed the class Payne possesses with a well-converted penalty and two delicious finishes with both his left and right feet.

He is on course to have his best statistical season yet if he is able to keep up his immense form and for a player who has bounced around the EFL, Payne has cemented himself as one of the best players in the league.

Colchester's Man Has Been Around a While

It hasn't been an easy ride for Payne, as he has had to make his mark in the EFL from bouncing around a number of clubs but has been a good performer at any side he has played for.

His career started at Southend, where Payne showed he was one of the best prospects in the EFL, helping them reach promotion in the 2013/14 season.

One season in League One with nine goals and five assists was enough for then-Championship side Huddersfield to sign the midfielder.

However, Payne only lasted one season in the Championship and went on to play for another seven sides, including MK Dons, Charlton, and Swindon, before he ended up at Colchester last season.

Payne proves that some players' best football comes later in their careers and that there is no shame in playing for a whole host of clubs.

It’s now ten goals, five assists and two hat-tricks in 1904 minutes for Jack Payne in League Two this season. ⚽️⚽️

He’s such a classy player - as seen by his finish for his second goal (with his weaker foot!) 👌

(Credit - @FEFLOfficial) #ColU #EFLpic.twitter.com/zENrPjpTQ8

— 72cast (@weare72cast) February 22, 2026

What's Next For Payne and Colchester?

Both Payne and Colchester fans will be hoping he can carry on his fine form towards the back end of the season in the hopes for promotion.

Payne has been in numerous play-off matches so his experience will be key if Colchester do reach the play-offs, as they only sit four points off 7th.

He has been a thorn in many teams' sides this season and Colchester's next opponents will have to man-mark Payne; otherwise a third hat-trick of the season could be in the works.