JACK Payne has departed Eastleigh to join EFL outfit Crawley Town.

Following the Spitfires's failure to achieve promotion from the National League, Payne has brought an end to his two-year stay at Silverlake Stadium.

The midfielder has joined League Two side Crawley for an undisclosed fee, signing a one-year contract, with an additional one-year option.

The former Gillingham and Peterborough man played 91 times for Eastleigh, scoring twice.

Speaking to the Crawley website, Payne said: “I’m happy to be here. It all happened quite quickly but I’ve known the gaffer (John Yems) for years which made it easy for the deal to cross the line.”

Eastleigh boss Ben Strevens told the Spitfires website: “I’d like to thank Payney for his efforts during his time here, he’s been a key member of the squad both on and off the pitch since he joined us permanently.

“I completely understand his wishes to return to the Football League and, with this move being closer to his family as well, we didn’t want to stand in his way. I wish him all the best at Crawley and for the rest of his career.”