An outside left, Payne began his career in non-League football, playing for Botwell Mission, Lyons Athletic and hometown club Southall.
[2] Payne got his big break when he signed for First Division club West Ham United in 1926,[2] but he managed just four appearances, scoring one goal, before departing in 1929.
[4] 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.
[2] 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.
[5] Payne's made his final Football League appearances with Third Division South clubs Brighton & Hove Albion and Millwall.