Doug Loft, former Port Vale and Gillingham captain, dies aged 39

Port Vale and Gillingham have paid tribute to former captain Doug Loft who died over the weekend aged 39.

The midfielder spent five years at Vale, racking up more than 170 league appearances, before joining Gillingham in 2014 and later playing for Colchester and Shrewsbury.

Loft made over 420 total appearances across an 18-year career. He was named Vale’s player of the year in 2011-12, captaining them to Sky Bet League One promotion the next campaign.

Gillingham announced on X: “The Football Club is absolutely devastated to announce the death of former Gills captain, Doug Loft.

“Doug died suddenly following a medical emergency over the weekend. He was 39.

“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.”

“Loft’s leadership, passion and dedication to the badge helped establish him as a firm favourite, and his contribution to that promotion-winning side will forever remain part of the club’s history,” Vale said on their official website.

The club added: “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 ahead of this weekend’s game against Chesterfield.