Former Gillingham and Port Vale captain Doug Loft passes away, aged 39

Gillingham Football Club announced the tragic news via a short statement, explaining that Loft had passed away following a medical emergency over the weekend.

"The Football Club is absolutely devastated to announce the death of former Gills Captain, Doug Loft," the statement read.

"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."

Port Vale issued a similar statement, adding, "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.

"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 teammates 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."

Loft made 62 league appearances for the Gills, scoring five times, during a career that began at Hastings United as a former England Schoolboy international. He signed for Brighton & Hove Albion in 2006 and spent three seasons with the Seagulls, with a short loan stint at Dagenham & Redbridge towards the end of his time with the South Coast club.

In 2009 he signed for Port Vale, where he would enjoy the longest spell of his career. Loft made 174 league appearances for Valiants, and became club captain in 2012, when he helped lead Vale to promotion from League Two in the 2012/13 season.

Two years later, Loft opted against re-signing with Vale and headed back south to join Gillingham. He was immediately made club captain, but despite being a positive influence when on the field, his second season at Priestfield was plagued by injury and he was released at the end of the campaign.

Loft went on to play for Colchester United and Shrewsbury Town before dropping down to National League with a second loan stint at Dagenham & Redbridge before signing with Billericay Town.

In 2021, he signed with Tonbridge Angels, where he would enjoy his final stint before announcing his retirement after an Achilles injury ended his second season at the end of August 2022.

Loft is survived by his wife Laura and his children Freya and Amelie, and our thoughts are with them as they deal with their loss.