Sports · Football · 2 hrs ago
Former Port Vale and Gillingham captain Doug Loft dies aged 39
Former footballer Doug Loft has died aged 39 after a medical emergency over the weekend.
The midfielder, who was born in Maidstone, played for several English clubs, including Port Vale, Gillingham, Colchester United, Shrewsbury Town and Tonbridge Angels.
He spent five years at Port Vale and was named the club’s player of the year for 2011-12.
He captained Vale the following season as the team earned promotion to League One.
Loft joined Gillingham in 2014, became club captain and made 70 appearances over two seasons.
Across an 18-year career, he made more than 420 appearances.
Port Vale has asked the English Football League for permission to hold a minute’s silence and have players wear black armbands before its match against Chesterfield this weekend.
Former Gillingham captain Doug Loft has died aged 39 after a medical emergency over the weekend.
Gillingham and Port Vale paid tribute to the midfielder, who made more than 420 appearances during an 18-year career.
Loft played for Port Vale for five years, making more than 170 league appearances and captaining the club to promotion to League One.
He joined Gillingham in 2014, captained the club and made 70 appearances across two seasons.
He later played for Colchester United, Shrewsbury Town and Tonbridge Angels.
- Who
- Doug Loft, a former Gillingham and Port Vale captain.
- What
- Loft died aged 39 after a medical emergency.
- When
- Over the weekend before the articles were published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- The sources say he died following a medical emergency but do not give further details.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Loft was named Port Vale’s player of the year.
Loft captained Port Vale as the club secured promotion to League One.
Loft left Port Vale and joined Gillingham.
Loft died following a medical emergency.
- Age
- 39
- Port Vale appearances
- More than 170 league appearances
- Career appearances
- More than 420 across 18 years
- Gillingham seasons
- 2014/15 and 2015/16
- Gillingham appearances
- 70 across two seasons
What people are saying
The Football Club is absolutely devastated to announce the death of former Gills captain, Doug Loft.
We’re all shocked and devastated by the news.
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.
Posts on X
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. He was 39. Our thoughts and condolences are with Doug's wife Laura, their children Freya and Amelie, along
Sources
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