Stefan Payne
Position: Centre Foward
Previous clubs: Sutton United, Fulham, Gillingham, Aldershot, AFC Hornchurch, Dover Athletic, Barnsley, Shrewsbury Town, Bristol Rovers, Tranmere Rovers, Grimsby Town, Chesterfield, Welling
Stefan, 31 years-old, began his professional career with Sutton United where he quickly attracted the attention of Premier League Fulham, for whom he signed for the 2009/10 season. His time at Craven Cottage did not bring a first team appearance but his performances in the reserve team were enough to earn him a transfer to Gillingham for the following season.
In his two years at the Gills he made a total of 37 appearances, scoring twice. At the end of his contract he returned to non-league football with Aldershot and then back to Sutton.
It was in season 2013/14 that Stefan found a rich vein of form at Isthmian League AFC Hornchurch scoring 35 goals which earned him a move up into the Conference with Dover Athletic, where his prolific run continued, scoring 33 times in a two season spell.
Naturally enough, this spiked the attention of the Football league and he joined Barnsley in the close season of 2016. Further spells in the EFL came with moves to Shrewsbury Town, Bristol Rovers, Tranmere Rovers and Grimsby Town before returning to the non-league scene with Chesterfield in 2021.
Published Wednesday 12th July 2023 (last updated Thursday 27th July 2023)