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

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

WHAT HAPPENED
Gillingham said Loft died following a medical emergency. Port Vale paid tribute to the midfielder, 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 club added: "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."

CAREER SUMMARY
Loft began his career at non-League Hastings United before signing for Brighton & Hove Albion 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. Loft moved to Port Vale in 2009 from Brighton and went on to make 196 appearances for the club, scoring 19 goals. He was named Port Vale's player of the season for 2011–12, was appointed club captain and led the side to automatic promotion from League Two. He later made 70 appearances for Gillingham and also had spells with Colchester United, Shrewsbury Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Billericay Town and Tonbridge Angels.

TRIBUTES
Gillingham stated: "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." Micky Adams, who signed Loft for Vale, said "no one could have been prouder to have captained the club" and that he did it with "enthusiasm and endeavour." With the blessing of Loft's family, Port Vale have requested permission from the EFL for their players to wear black armbands and to hold a minute's silence ahead of this weekend's game against Chesterfield.