Jack Payne in action for Eastleigh this season. Picture: Graham Scambler
Eastleigh have signed Jack Payne from National League rivals Ebbsfleet United on a one-year deal.
The 27-year-old spent time on loan with the Spitfires last season as they reached the play-offs.
Whilst at Eastleigh, Payne made five appearances and did not experience defeat in blue.
He was offered reduced terms at the end of the season by Fleet boss Garry Hill to stay at Stonebridge Road as Ebbsfleet look to cut costs.
Payne has previously represented the likes of Gillingham, Leyton Orient and Blackpool. He has accumulated 60 appearances in the National League, 146 appearances in League Two, 94 in League One and 14 in the Championship.
Eastleigh manager Ben Strevens said: “I am delighted to get this deal over the line. Luckily quite a few people know Payney from him coming on loan here last year when Hess was manager.
“I’ve known Payney for ten years or so as I was at Gillingham with him. He’s technically very good on the ball and he’s got a good right foot as well. He will give us another dimension in the midfield and will balance off well with Dutchy, Cav or Jack.
“He can get more goals, I’m going to try and get that into him. He’s got such a good range of passing and he can get there with his shooting as well. He’s backed himself to do well for us, he a good lad and more importantly he’s a good player.”
