Former Port Vale captain Doug Loft dies aged 39

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 16:32 · Archive

Doug Loft, former Port Vale and Gillingham captain, has died aged 39 following a medical emergency.

Doug Loft, the former Port Vale and Gillingham captain, has died aged 39 following a medical emergency at the weekend. Port Vale and Gillingham have both released statements paying tribute to the midfielder.

Loft began his career at non-league Hastings United before joining Brighton in January 2006. He made three Championship appearances for Brighton, scoring once, and a further 46 appearances in League One. He signed for Port Vale in summer 2009 and made 196 appearances over five seasons, becoming a key member of the squad. He was named Port Vale's player of the season for 2011-12 and was appointed club captain, leading the club to promotion from League Two in 2012-13 under manager Micky Adams.

After leaving Port Vale in 2014, Loft signed for Gillingham, where he was also made captain and made 70 appearances across two seasons in League One. He later played for Colchester United, Shrewsbury Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Billericay Town and Tonbridge Angels.

Port Vale have requested permission from the EFL for their players to wear black armbands and hold a minute's silence before their weekend match against Chesterfield. Gillingham said their thoughts were with his wife Laura and their children Freya and Amelie.

How it is being reported

• Ex-Port Vale & Gillingham captain Loft dies at 39Former Port Vale and Gillingham captain Doug Loft dies at the age of 39, following a medical emergency.BBC Sport · 12 Oct, 16:12
• Former Brighton and Port Vale star Doug Loft tragically dies aged 39 after medical emergencyDoug Loft played for Brighton in the Championship before spending a number of years at Port ValeMirror Sport · 12 Oct, 15:42

In this story: Doug Loft · Port Vale · Gillingham · Brighton & Hove Albion · Hastings United · Colchester United · Shrewsbury Town

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