Ex-Championship star Doug Loft dies aged 39 as tributes pour in after medical emergency
Former Brighton and Port Vale midfielder Doug Loft has tragically died after a medical emergency
Port Vale sent their condolences following the tragic death of former captain Doug Loft(Image: (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images))
Doug Loft, who made three appearances for Brighton in the Championship, has sadly died aged 39 following a medical emergency. The midfielder played over 300 games in the EFL with many of his former clubs, including Port Vale and Gillingham who he captained, paying tribute.
Colchester United and Dagenham & Redbridge also had Loft on their books prior to his non-league stint with Margate, Billericay Town and Tonbridge Angels. He is best known for five successful seasons at Port Vale with the League Two club releasing a heartfelt statement.
That read: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Vale captain, Doug Loft, at the age of 39. Loft joined the Valiants in the summer of 2009 from Brighton and Hove Albion and went on to become hugely popular during his five seasons with the club.
“A hard-working and versatile midfielder, he quickly became a key member of the squad, earning the respect of supporters through his commitment and determination in a Vale shirt.
“His contribution during the 2011/12 campaign saw him named our Player of the Season, and he was later named club captain ahead of the following season.
“He would go on to play an important role for the club, wearing the armband as we secured promotion from League Two in 2012/13 season under Micky Adams.
Doug Loft also had a brief stint at Shrewsbury Town
“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.
“After leaving Vale Park in 2014, Doug continued his playing career with Gillingham, Colchester United and Shrewsbury Town respectively, among other clubs.
“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 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.
“With the blessing of Doug’s family, we have requested permission from the EFL for our players to wear black armbands and to hold a minute’s silence ahead of kick off ahead of this weekend’s game against Chesterfield.
“Rest in peace, Doug.”
Gillingham, where Loft also served as captain, expressed their condolences to his family in a social media statement. It read: “The Football Club is absolutely devastated to announce the death of former Gills Captain, Doug Loft.
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“Doug died suddenly following a medical emergency over the weekend. “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.”
Leon Legge, a former teammate of Loft at the Gills, also paid tribute as he wrote on X: “Life is so short a former teammate passed away and literally only couple of years between us. 39 is way too young.”
The 39-year old retired in 2023 following a severe Achilles injury, with Tonbridge Angels being his final club.
