Norwich City loan player Alfie Payne says his season-long stint with King’s Lynn Town has been a “real positive” move in his career.
The 20-year-old City academy product is learning his trade under former Norwich player and assistant manager Ian Culverhouse, who has led the Linnets to second place in the National League North. – two points behind leaders York but with two games in hand.
Payne has started 10 games, with seven appearances off the bench, and scored three goals.
“The season at King’s Lynn so far has been a very positive one and a very good one for the team,” said Payne.
“Obviously, as we stand in the break, we’re currently two points off top with two games in hand, I think.
“It’s within our hands to go top, which is a great achievement for the club and the team. It’s been a real positive and it’s been great to be a part of a successful team.
“I think it’s been a good learning curve and season for development. The teams we come up against are a lot different to playing Academy football. There’s been a lot of opportunities I’ve been given to learn and develop as a player, which I think is the most important thing.”
Payne points to improved defensive skills as part of the learning under Culverhouse.
“I think defensively it’s helped me the most, because it’s more about second balls and trying to read the play, which has been good for me, because I’ve not been used to picking up second balls,” he told City’s official web site.
“Having to adapt to that and predict where it’s going to go it’s helped me learn that side of the game a lot better.”
While Payne works under Culverhouse and Co at weekends, there is still development support from the Canaries.
“I’ve got a lot of support at Norwich,” he said. “I was training every day there before the virus, coming into contact with the Under-23s coach David Wright and the support staff around him, like the Sports Scientist Jay Eastoe-Smith, so I’m able to get all the support I need.
“When it came to being at King’s Lynn, we have the Loans Manager Neil Adams, who looks after us. After games we’d call him and tell him how it’s gone, or occasionally he’ll come up and watch.
“I think the support from the club is always there, which is ideal to help me develop the best I can as a player.”
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