Former Port Vale and Gillingham captain Doug Loft dies aged 39

Former captain dies following medical emergency

Former Port Vale and Gillingham captain Doug Loft has died at the age of 39 following a medical emergency at the weekend, Gillingham have confirmed.

A statement from Gillingham said Loft died following a medical emergency at the weekend. The midfielder emerged at non-League Hastings United and signed for Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2006, just after his 20th birthday. He played three times in the Championship for the Seagulls, scoring once, and made a further 46 appearances in League One.

A beloved figure in Burslem

Loft joined Port Vale in 2009, signing from Brighton, and went on to make 196 appearances for the club, scoring 19 goals, before leaving in 2014 to move back south with his family. He was named Vale's player of the season for 2011-12 and was appointed club captain, leading the team to automatic promotion from League Two.

Port Vale paid tribute to their former skipper, saying: “He will be remembered fondly by everyone at the club, not only for his achievements on the pitch but for the commitment and leadership he showed throughout his time in Burslem.

“The thoughts and heartfelt condolences of everyone at Port Vale are with Doug's family, friends, former team-mates and all those who knew him, at this incredibly sad time.

“With the blessing of Doug's family, we have requested permission from the EFL for our players to wear black armbands and to hold a minute's silence ahead of kick off at this weekend's game against Chesterfield.”

Captain at Priestfield

Loft signed for Gillingham in 2014 and was again made captain, spending two seasons in League One at Priestfield and making 70 appearances for the Gills. He also had spells at Colchester United, Shrewsbury Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Billericay Town and Tonbridge Angels.

Gillingham said in their statement: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Doug's wife Laura, their children Freya and Amelie, along with his friends and family at this very difficult time.”

'No prouder captain'

BBC Radio Stoke's Phil Bowers reflected on Loft's impact at Vale: “Doug Loft signed for Vale in 2009, joining manager Micky Adams, who had worked with him at Brighton. In the five years he had at the club, he made 196 appearances, scoring 19 goals. He won the player of the year award in 2012, then was named club captain as the team went on to secure automatic promotion from League Two. He left in 2014 to move back south with his family.”

Adams said “no one could have been prouder to have captained the club”, adding that Loft did it with “enthusiasm and endeavour”.