Charlton Athletic new boy Jack Payne happy to take on a key responsibility

Jack Payne is ready to be on penalty duties for Charlton Athletic this season.

The Addicks signed the 27-year-old midfielder on Monday on a deal until the summer of 2024.

Payne had a perfect record from the spot for Swindon Town in the 2021-22 campaign with six converted. Now he has linked up with Ben Garner, his boss last season, at The Valley.

Asked about if he wanted the responsibility of taking penalties at his new club, Payne told the South London Press: “I got a few last year. The gaffer put his faith in me and he chooses who takes the penalties.

“If I’m chosen then I’ll be really happy and confident to do that.

“I scored quite a few goals from outside the box [as well]. If I can replicate that with a few more inside the box then I’ll be in good stead.”

Payne has also praised the job that Garner did at Town.

They reached the League Two play-offs but lost 6-5 to Port Vale on penalties.

“At the time we were devastated we didn’t take it one step further and get promoted,” said Payne. “But having the time to look back and reflect, the job we did as a team and Ben did was incredible.

“Two weeks before the season started we had about seven professional players. The amount of players we got together in a short space of time and got them to gel together, he did an incredible job for us. If he had got us promoted it would’ve been a miracle.

“Even the season we did have was a great season.”

See Friday’s South London Press for a full interview with Payne.

PICTURE: CAFC