The Bees are delighted to complete the signing of experience defensive midfield player Josh Payne on a one-year deal with an option to extend.

 

Payne makes the move to The Hive London with over 360 appearances to his name, 164 of which have come within the EFL. The 30-year-old has represented the likes of Crawley Town, Cheltenham Town and Oxford United in the Football League.

 

Payne also brings plenty of National League experience to the fold having made 142 appearances in the division for Clubs such as Eastleigh, Woking and most recently, Ebbsfleet United. The midfielders know-how and knowledge of the division most certainly represents great benefit to Harry Kewell’s squad, with the pair also previously working together at Crawley Town. 

 

Our newest recruit kicked off his career with West Ham United, making two Premier League appearances as a young player at Upton Park, spells at Doncaster Rovers, Wycombe Wanderers, Oxford United and Aldershot Town where totted up several EFL appearances. After dropping into The National League where he had largely successful spells with Woking and Eastleigh, a move out of the division came as he joined Crawley Town where he’d go onto make 106 outings. 

 

Most recently, Payne has spent time with Ebbsfleet United where he has spent two seasons, unfortunately for the Fleet their season was curtailed early, leaving Payne itching to get back into the swing of things. 

The midfielder spoke of his delight on signing for the Club, he said:

“It’s great to be within a football club and to have everything sorted out. I think it’s very important to have good people around you and fortunately, here we have that. I am excited to hit the ground running. 

“I like the style of play that the manager likes to play, him as a person, we get on really well. It’s a huge Club, coming here over the years I have been very envious of the football club and now I am excited to be a part of it!”

We are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming Josh to the Club and wish him every success during his time at The Hive London. Payne will get going straight away as pre-season training begins early next week. 

 

The deal is subject to all of the relevant football regulatory processes.

 

Welcome to the Club, Josh!

 

Hear from Josh via the video below: