Aldershot Town FC

Jailed Payne has contract ended by Aldershot Town

By Jon Couch
December 17, 2012

JOSH PAYNE has had his contract terminated by Aldershot Town FC after he was sent to prison on Friday for an assault outside a Guildford nightclub.

The 22-year-old midfielder received a 12-month sentence at Guildford Crown Court after pleading guilty to two charges relating to an incident outside the Dusk club in May.

In a statement released on Monday afternoon, the club said it could not "condone or excuse such behaviour" and that Payne's contract, which was due to run out at the end of the season, would be terminated forthwith.

The statement also told how "other matters" relating to the situation would be dealt with internally. It is believed this refers to Dani Lopez's goal celebration in the 4-2 victory over Rochdale on Saturday, when the on-loan striker raced over to the home dugout and produced a miniature 'Payne 8' shirt and paraded it to fans in the North Stand.

The club statement read: "We were informed on Friday afternoon that Joshua Payne had received a custodial sentence after pleading guilty in relation to two charges following an incident that occurred in Guildford in May 2012.

"In the light of this, notice to terminate the contract of the player will be given forthwith. The club cannot condone or excuse such behaviour.

"Any other matters regarding this situation will be dealt with internally. Our players and staff are important role models for our next generation of supporters and will be reminded of their behavioural responsibilities to the club at all times.

"The football club prides itself on the vast amount of positive work that is undertaken in the community and is adamant that this decision is the only suitable outcome to a regrettable situation."

Payne joined the club on an initial loan spell from Oxford United in January and made 22 appearances for the Shots, scoring three goals.