‘Payne is just what we need’: Addicks boss

By Yann Tear

Jack Payne is the perfect role model for younger players at Charlton because of his dedication and professionalism, according to Ben Garner. 

The Addicks boss made sure the midfielder followed him from Swindon, because he knows what a good influence he can be, and the 27-year-old did well in his first start for the club in Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup victory over QPR. 

“Not only is he a really good player, Jack, but the supporters can see straight away how hard he works – and what a great team player he is,” Garner said. 

“He’s fantastic in his professionalism, so any young player at this football club looking at him, sees he is a shining example of how you lead your life, how you eat, how you prepare, how you sleep. 

“We’ve got several of those in the dressing room now, so that leaves you with a group who are role models for the younger players at the club. He’s really good and really strong.” 

The Addicks will be on cloud nine after their penalties triumph and it should put a spring in the step for a mouth-watering trip to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday. 

“It was a great night I thought it was a really good, high-performance game. Good level to it throughout. But we focus very quickly on Sheffield Wednesday now,” Garner said. 

“We have to go with full respect, because they are a very good team. I know [manager] Darren Moore well, he’s a great guy. A gentleman in the football world.  

“We go there with an understanding of what they do but we’ll go there with the attitude that we’re going to win and we’ll play the way that we want to play.  

“We know it’s a tough place, but we want to embrace those challenges. After tonight [against QPR], we can certainly look forward to it.” 

Pictured top: Payne in action against Queens Park Rangers (Picture: Keith Gillard)