Former Port Vale and Gillingham Captain Doug Loft Dies Aged 39

Doug Loft, the former captain of Port Vale and Gillingham, has passed away aged 39.

A Gillingham statement, external confirmed that he died after suffering a medical emergency over the weekend.

After arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion, Loft made 196 appearances for Vale between 2009 and 2014 before going on to play 70 matches for the Gills.

A statement from Port Vale said, external he would be warmly remembered by everyone at the club, both for his performances on the field and for the dedication and leadership he displayed during his time in Burslem.

The club also offered its deepest sympathies to Loft’s family, friends, former colleagues and everyone who knew him during this exceptionally difficult period.

With the approval of his family, Port Vale has asked the EFL for permission for its players to wear black armbands and observe a minute of silence before this weekend’s match against Chesterfield.

Loft began his career with non-League side Hastings United before joining Brighton in January 2006, shortly after turning 20.

He featured three times in the Championship and scored one goal, while also making another 46 appearances for the Seagulls in League One.

Following his move to Port Vale, Loft was voted the club’s player of the season in 2011-12. He later became captain and helped guide the team to promotion from League Two.

Gillingham recruited him in 2014 and subsequently handed him the captaincy.

He spent two seasons competing in League One at Priestfield.

Gillingham extended its condolences to Loft’s wife Laura, their daughters Freya and Amelie, and all of his relatives and friends at this deeply upsetting time.

During his career, Loft also represented Colchester United, Shrewsbury Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Billericay Town and Tonbridge Angels.