Crawley Town midfielder triggers contract extension

The 30-year-old triggered the extension after playing 25 competitive games for the club.

Payne has played 21 League Two games already this season for the Reds, despite a frustrating eight-week injury layoff which kept him out over the festive period.

The midfielder has also played in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup as well as the Papa John’s Trophy, pushing his total appearances to the trigger of 25.

He made his 25th competitive appearance for Crawley in a man of the match performance on Tuesday against Swindon Town.

Payne said: "It’s brilliant for me after being brought into the club and hitting it now means I can get my head down and kick on and not have to worry about anything in the summer."

Reds manager John Yems added: "It’s typical of Jack that he has reached it with 20 games to go, it just proves what an important player he is for us and I am delighted that his deal has been extended."