Doug Loft, Port Vale and Gillingham
12 October 2026
Former Port Vale and Gillingham captain Doug Loft has died aged 39 following a reported medical emergency. The former midfielder made 196 appearances for Port Vale and 70 for Gillingham, captaining both clubs during his professional career.
Gillingham confirmed his death, while Port Vale paid tribute to his leadership and contribution to their promotion from League Two. Vale have requested permission to wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence at their next home fixture in remembrance.