Former Port Vale and Gillingham captain Doug Loft dies aged 39

Former Port Vale and Gillingham captain Doug Loft has died at the age of 39 following a medical emergency at the weekend, Gillingham said on 12 October 2026. Port Vale also issued a statement mourning his death.

Loft began his career at non-League Hastings United before signing for Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2006 just after his 20th birthday. He featured three times in the Championship for Brighton, scoring once, and made a further 46 appearances for the Seagulls in League One. Loft moved to Port Vale from Brighton in 2009 and played 196 times for Vale between 2009 and 2014, before being signed by Gillingham in 2014 where he made 70 appearances and spent two seasons in League One at Priestfield. He also had spells with Colchester United, Shrewsbury Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Billericay Town and Tonbridge Angels.

Port Vale said: "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."

BBC Radio Stoke's Phil Bowers noted Loft signed for Vale in 2009 joining manager Micky Adams, who had worked with him at Brighton. In his five years at the club he made 196 appearances, scoring 19 goals, won the player of the year award in 2011-12 and was named club captain as Vale secured automatic promotion from League Two; he left in 2014 to move back south with his family. Adams said "no one could have been prouder to have captained the club", and said he did it with "enthusiasm and endeavour".

Gillingham's statement said: "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." The club confirmed Loft had been signed in 2014 and had also been named captain during his time at Priestfield.

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 kick off at this weekend's game against Chesterfield.