Midfielder discusses draw against Wimbledon, being a leader and getting some consistency
Leyton Orient midfielder Jack Payne is pleased with his current form, but admits he is always looking to improve.
The midfielder, on a season-long loan from Peterborough United, has started the last eight matches for Ian Hendon’s team.
While results haven’t always been what the club would want, the 23-year-old has often been among their best performers.
He has quickly impressed Orient supporters with his displays and despite not wearing the armband, often looks a leader on the pitch.
“I think I am getting to a point now where my form is staying steady and I am happy with the way I am playing,” said Payne.
“There are still little bits where I want to improve, but I’m getting to a point where I am having some consistency in my game.
“I don’t know why, but I just seem to talk anyway on the pitch and try to lead by example. I think it is something you have or haven’t got.”
Payne was captain at Peterborough last season, but was told at the end of the campaign he could leave Posh.
It took a while but Hendon finally managed to get the former Gillingham midfielder to Brisbane Road at the start of September.
Although he was skipper at London Road last year, Payne doesn’t believe he is playing better now because he isn’t wearing the armband.
He added: “I don’t think the captaincy at Peterborough affected me too much, I think I am a leader when I play anyway.
“It was good to have the armband, but it is not the be all and end all for me. I just want to be playing. As long as I play I don’t mind.”
Payne was part of the Orient side that conceded nine minutes from time to draw 1-1 against AFC Wimbledon last weekend.
Jay Simpson put the O’s ahead, but a red card to John Marquis changed the game after Hendon had just taken off forward Ollie Palmer.
“I think we defended quite well, obviously being down to 10 men it was tough and the way they played with the three big boys it was hard for us,” said Payne.
“The way we started the game in the first half was really well and going in one nil was good.
“After the sending off it become very difficult to get out and we just had to try and hold on to what we had.”
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