Doug Loft’s death at the age of 39 has left Gillingham, Port Vale and Tonbridge Angels mourning a player remembered not just for his football, but for the leadership and professionalism he showed throughout his career.
Gillingham said the club was “absolutely devastated” to announce the death of its former captain, adding that Loft died suddenly following a medical emergency over the weekend. The statement also sent condolences to his wife Laura, their children Freya and Amelie, and his wider family and friends.
From Hastings United to the Football League
Loft began his career with non-league Hastings United before joining Brighton & Hove Albion, where he made his professional debut in the Championship. He spent two-and-a-half years with Brighton before moving on to Port Vale, where he became a key figure and was named player of the year for the 2011/12 season.
The following campaign he captained Port Vale, underlining the responsibility he was trusted with during his time in Burslem. In the summer of 2014, he turned down a new contract and returned to Kent to join Gillingham on a two-year contract.
A captain at Gillingham and a respected figure elsewhere
Gillingham appointed Loft club captain for the 2014/15 season, and he made 42 appearances in that campaign. He followed that with 28 appearances in his second season before being released at the end of his contract.
The tributes have also come from Tonbridge Angels, where Sophie Purves said everyone at the club was “shocked and devastated” by the news. She described Loft as “a true professional”, “a very talented player” and “a really wonderful person”, and added that the club’s thoughts and prayers were with Laura, his girls, and all his family and friends.
Port Vale plan tributes this weekend
Port Vale said Loft would be remembered fondly by everyone at the club for his achievements on the pitch and for the commitment and leadership he showed throughout his time in Burslem. The club also said it had requested permission from the EFL for players to wear black armbands and hold a minute’s silence before kick-off against Chesterfield this weekend.
For Gillingham, Port Vale, Brighton & Hove Albion, Hastings United and Tonbridge Angels, the loss is a painful one. Loft’s career may have taken him across different levels of the game, but the respect he earned at each stop was clear. The tributes now tell their own story.
