Former Port Vale and Gillingham captain Doug Loft has died at the age of 39. A statement from Gillingham 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 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, spending two seasons in League One at Priestfield. Loft also had spells at Colchester United, Shrewsbury Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Billericay Town and Tonbridge Angels.
Port Vale said he would be remembered fondly for his commitment and leadership throughout his time in Burslem. The club has requested permission from the EFL for players to wear black armbands and hold a minute's silence before this weekend's game against Chesterfield. Gillingham extended its condolences to his wife Laura, their children Freya and Amelie, and his friends and family.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing