Exclusive: MK Dons Sets Sights On His First Summer Signing.
The Real EFL believes that MK Dons want to sign midfielder Jack Payne on a permanent basis after he was released by Charlton Athletic.
The 29-year-old joined Buckinghamshire on a season-long loan last summer after falling out of favour with the Addicks in the early parts of the season. He started three of the first four games for Dean Holden. However, after his dismissal, the 44-year-old was permitted to depart The Valley.
His unexpected availability late in the transfer window tipped off a number of teams. He later joined MK Dons, where he earned a regular starting spot under both Graham Alexander and Mike Williamson.
The former Lincoln City and Swindon Town player contributed significantly to his new club’s rise up the League Two table. Following their relegation from League One last season, they made a gradual transition to the fourth division. Nine games without a win in September and October saw the Dons drop to as low as 18th. Williamson’s arrival sparked the recovery, and they were soon battling in the top half of the standings.
Despite their best efforts, they were unable to gain automatic promotion as Stockport County, Wrexham, and Mansfield Town advanced to League One. MK Dons had to settle for a spot in the play-offs, where they were favorites against seventh-placed Crawley Town. However, they were defeated and eliminated from the semi-finals with a record-breaking aggregate score of 8-1.
Williamson will now reorganize in preparation for promotion next season, with Payne at the top of his priority list. The dynamic playmaker concluded the season with six goals and six assists in 40 league games and is now a free agent after being released by Charlton. His interim club is anxious to sign him on a permanent basis, and other teams are anticipated to join the battle.
He is a player with a winning mindset, having been promoted through every tier of the EFL. He initially helped take Southend United to League One in 2015, then helped Huddersfield Town to the Premier League two years later. In 2018, he enjoyed similar success with Blackburn Rovers, as he joined on loan during the winter transfer window and helped the team return to the Championship at the first attempt.
