Doug Loft dead aged 39: Former Port Vale captain dies following 'medical emergency' as former clubs pay tribute to midfielder

Former Port Vale and Gillingham captain Doug Loft has passed away at the age of 39 after a 'medical emergency'.

Loft's former sides have paid tribute to the ex-midfielder, who is survived by his wife Laura and their two children, Freya and Amelie.

Port Vale, who Loft played for between 2009 and 2014 and captained for two years, posted on X: 'We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former captain, Doug Loft, who passed away at the age of 39 following a medical emergency.

'We send our love to Doug's family, friends and former team-mates at this difficult time. RIP Doug.'

They later shared a video compilation of his time at the club. He played 196 times for Vale in total.

Upon leaving Vale, Loft moved back to his home county of Kent to join Gillingham, where he was immediately appointed captain.

He also featured for the likes of Brighton, Colchester and Shrewsbury Town in his career, before retiring in 2023 after a spell with Tonbridge Wells.

Gillingham posted 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 with his friends and family at this very difficult time.'

Loft made a total of 421 career appearances, scoring 32 goals.

He made headlines in 2014 when he suffered a broken cheekbone and severe facial injuries after a training ground clash with team-mate Daniel Jones, who was sacked.

Former Gillingham team-mate Leon Legge, meanwhile, posted on X following Loft's death: 'Life is so short. A former team-mate passed away and literally only a couple of years between us. 39 is way too young.'

He added: 'Top team-mate.'

Jamie O'Hara, who coached and played with Loft at Billericay Town, shared: 'Devastated to hear the news of my former teammate and a player I managed at Billericay.

'One of the good guys in football we'd always chat about our careers and he was so talented in midfield, loved him when I was manager and he always gave 10/10 my heart goes out to his family.' 

Port Vale have requested for their players to wear black armbands and hold a minute's silence ahead of their game against Chesterfield this weekend.

Gillingham, meanwhile, will play their next home game against Port Vale on October 20.