Payne signed terms as a first year apprentice prior to the start of the 2008/09 season and made an immediate impression at Gillingham.

Although a midfielder, Jack appeared at right-back for the Reserves that season before making his senior debut for the club as a late substitute in the 2-0 home win over Chester City.

In January 2009 he put pen to paper on his first professional contract with the club and completed a dream year by winning the Gills Young Player of the Year Award.

Following an injury to Kevin Maher in pre-season Jack started the 2009/10 season in the Gills holding midfield role and earned a standing ovation for his performance in the 5-0 thrashing of Swindon.

His early season form was rewarded with a new three year contract midway through the campaign, while the youngster earned rave reviews for his displays filling in for injured skipper Barry Fuller at right-back.

Jack ended the 2009/10 campaign by collecting the Gills Young Player of the Year Award for the second season running. He has been a star performer in midfield in the opening weeks of 2010/11 and scored his first goal for the club in the 2-1 win over Stockport at Priestfield.

He went on to make 34 appearances in all competitions last season and walked away with the club's Young Player of the Year trophy for the third season in succession.