Wednesday 25 June 2014 16:48, UK
Southend youngster Jack Payne is determined to build on his first year with the first-team squad after signing a new one-year deal.
The 19-year-old midfielder appeared 15 times for the Shrimpers during the 2013/14 campaign, 13 coming from the bench, after coming through the youth set up at Roots Hall. He told United's official website: "I'm really pleased to have signed a new contract with the club because I've been here for a number of years now having come through the academy. "It's good that it has all been sorted before the start of pre-season, so I can really focus on making sure I am 100 per cent ready for that first game of the season. "Pre-season last year was really good for me because I got a lot of minutes under my belt and learned a great deal being around the first-team for the first time."After spending a year around the squad, Payne is now determined to make an impact and break into the starting eleven. "There were a few nerves this time last year, but there won't be this time around. I'll be back in ready to work really hard. My aim is to be in the starting line-up for Accrington. "Of course, I want to be getting the minutes in the first-team. My only target this year is to try and start every game. I will work as hard as I can to try and make that happen."
