Former Port Vale and Gillingham captain Doug Loft has died at the age of 39. A statement from Gillingham, external said he died following a medical emergency at the weekend. Loft played 196 times for Vale between 2009 and 2014, after signing from Brighton & Hove Albion, and went on to make 70 appearances for the Gills.
"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," a Port Vale statement said, external. "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." Loft emerged at non-League Hastings United and signed for Brighton in January 2006, just after his 20th birthday.
He played three times in the Championship, scoring once, and made 46 further appearances for the Seagulls in League One. After joining Port Vale, Loft was named the club's player of the season for 2011-12, and was appointed captain, leading the club to promotion from League Two. He was signed by Gillingham in 2014 and also made captain.
Loft spent two seasons in League One at Priestfield. "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," the Gillingham statement said. Loft also had spells at Colchester United, Shrewsbury Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Billericay Town and Tonbridge Angels.
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 says "no one could have been prouder to have captained the club", and says he did it with "enthusiasm and endeavour". Pre-match, post-match and topical Vale content Subscribe and listen for everything you love about Port Vale
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