Former Brighton and Port Vale midfielder Doug Loft has died aged 39 following a medical emergency. The midfielder made over 300 appearances in the EFL, with several of his former clubs, including Port Vale and Gillingham whom he captained, paying tribute.
Career across the EFL and non-league
Loft also played for Colchester United and Dagenham & Redbridge before moving into non-league football with Margate, Billericay Town and Tonbridge Angels. He is best known for five successful seasons at Port Vale, where the League Two club released a heartfelt statement following his death.
The statement read: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Vale captain, Doug Loft, at the age of 39. Loft joined the Valiants in the summer of 2009 from Brighton and Hove Albion and went on to become hugely popular during his five seasons with the club."
Tributes from former clubs and teammates
Port Vale's statement continued: "A hard-working and versatile midfielder, he quickly became a key member of the squad, earning the respect of supporters through his commitment and determination in a Vale shirt."
"His contribution during the 2011/12 campaign saw him named our Player of the Season, and he was later named club captain ahead of the following season. He would go on to play an important role for the club, wearing the armband as we secured promotion from League Two in 2012/13 season under Micky Adams."
Gillingham, where Loft also served as captain, expressed their condolences in a social media statement. It read: "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."
Former teammate Leon Legge also paid tribute, writing on X: "Life is so short a former teammate passed away and literally only couple of years between us. 39 is way too young."
Loft retired in 2023 following a severe Achilles injury, with Tonbridge Angels being his final club. Port Vale have requested permission from the EFL for players to wear black armbands and hold a minute's silence ahead of this weekend's game against Chesterfield.
