Ex-West Ham midfielder relishing being back in Football League with Crawley
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
The 25-year-old former West Ham player, who featured in the Premier League for the East London club, has, as expected, penned a two-year deal with Reds.
The midfielder, who has more than 200 career appearances to his name, becomes Dermot Drummy’s fourth summer signing and the third of a busy week.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAfter three seasons playing in the National League for Woking and Eastleigh, whom he helped reach the third round of the FA Cup last season, Payne is excited to be back playing League football.
He said: “I’m delighted to be a Crawley player. Speaking to Dermot, he wants to play a style of football which I like and I’m really looking forward to being part of an exciting new era for the club.
“I’ve played League Two before and to be back in the league is brilliant. I’m optimistic going forward because I can see the manager wants to try and play good football.
“The new faces that have come in are good and I can’t wait to get down to work in pre-season and start gelling with the other lads.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe 6ft player’s previous clubs Doncaster Oxford United and Aldershot as well as loan spell at Cheltenham, Colchester and Wycombe on loan from West Ham.
Head Coach Dermot Drummy said: “We’re delighted to have Josh at the club. He’s a combative, energetic midfielder who can also play.
“And from talking to him I know how keen he is to embrace a new challenge back in the Football League here at Crawley.”
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHere are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1 Make this website your homepage
2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex
3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex
4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!