based on the 2025/26 season · updated 18 Aug 2026
Profile
Season stats
Full career & schedule →Domestic-league season · Colchester.
Performance data · by competition
| Competition | Apps | G | A | Min | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 League Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 96 | 7.3 |
Scout report
J. Payne is a 31-year-old attacking midfielder at Colchester, enjoying a standout season — 13 goals and 6 assists in 39 appearances, a Season grade of 38. On long-term scout potential he's rated 18.7. A seasoned veteran, he has been a regular starter (71.7% of available minutes). He brings 0.58 goal contributions per 90 (0.39 goals, 0.18 assists). Below: strengths, watch-points, market-value outlook and the latest transfer news on Payne.
On the season, Payne graded 38 for current form (age-blind), on 13 goals and 6 assists in 39 appearances (0.576 involvements per 90).
Year-on-year, that's broadly in line with last season (Season 38 → 38). Over the 7 seasons on record his form has drifted down, peaking in 2020/21.
On long-term talent our Rating reads 19. At 31 Payne is into the veteran stage, where the age curve weighs on the projection, and a market index of 1.5 reflects that trajectory.
Below his 2020/21 peak but holding a solid level — the platform for a return is there.
Output in context · Colchester finished 12th of 24 · a mid-table side
13 goals in 39 appearances (0.33 per game) — double figures playing for a mid-table side (12th of 24). He also laid on 6 assists, so the all-round involvement reads 19 goal contributions (0.49 per appearance).
Strengths
- Availability. On the pitch for 71.7% of available minutes — a dependable presence in the XI.
- Final-third output. 0.58 goal contributions per 90 (0.39 goals, 0.18 assists) — productive for the role.
Watch points
- Defensive numbers. Modest 1.91 defensive actions per 90 for the position.
- Age curve. At 31, both level and resale value are on the downslope.
- Level. Rates below a nailed-on top-tier starter on our model.
Outlook
Rated 18.7 overall — below regular-starter level. In the final third he profiles as a genuine goal threat (0.58 goal contributions per 90). Veteran phase — a short-term, lower-fee proposition as both level and value decline (0.9× and falling).
Generated from Field Insider's rating model · AI-written analysis to follow.
Season statistics
Bars = where he ranks among attacking midfielders in the League Two with 600+ minutes this season.
Shooting
Passing
Defending
Yellow/red cards
Transfer news
No transfer news found for this player.
