John Payne (footballer, born 1906)

John Frederick Payne (3 January 1906 – 1981) was an English professional footballer who played as an outside left in the Football League for Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Millwall, West Ham United and Manchester City.

Early years
An outside left, Payne began his career in non-League football, playing for Botwell Mission, Lyons Athletic and hometown club Southall. Payne got his big break when he signed for First Division club West Ham United in 1926, but he managed just four appearances, scoring one goal, before departing in 1929.

Brentford
Payne dropped down to the Third Division South to sign for Brentford in 1929. He scored 16 goals in 43 appearances during the 1929–30 season and was the club's third-leading scorer behind Jack Lane and Billy Lane. Payne began the 1930–31 season as a first choice on the wing, but he fell out of favour and was dropped to the reserves, before leaving in January 1931. Payne made 53 appearances and scored 18 goals during 18 months with the Bees.

Manchester City
Payne joined First Division club Manchester City in January 1931. As at West Ham United, Payne struggled to break into the first team and made just four appearances, scoring one goal, before departing Maine Road in 1934.

Later career
Payne's made his final Football League appearances with Third Division South clubs Brighton & Hove Albion and Millwall.