Former Shrewsbury Town midfielder dies aged 39 after medical emergency

Tributes have been paid to former Shrewsbury Town midfielder Doug Loft who has died at the age of 39 following a medical emergency at the weekend.

Loft spent the 2018/19 season at Shrewsbury, having previously played for Brighton & Hove Albion, Port Vale, Gillingham and Colchester United. He later featured for several non-league clubs.

Shrewsbury paid tribute to their former player in a statement, which read: “Shrewsbury Town is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Doug Loft.

“Doug passed away suddenly at the age of 39 following a medical emergency over the weekend.

“Everyone at Shrewsbury Town sends their heartfelt condolences to Doug’s family, friends and former teammates at this difficult time.”

Loft signed a one-year deal with Shrewsbury in July 2018 after impressing manager John Askey during a pre-season trial.

However, he struggled to establish himself in the first team, making just 66 minutes of League One appearances at the Croud Meadow. He featured more regularly in the EFL Trophy, scoring his only goal for the club against Walsall in the competition.

In January 2019, Loft returned to former club Dagenham & Redbridge on loan for the remainder of the season.

He was released by Shrewsbury in May 2019, bringing his Football League career to an end before he continued playing in non-league football.

Loft retired from professional football in July 2023 following a spell with Tonbridge Angels.

Port Vale, where Loft captained the side and became a firm favourite between 2009 and 2014, also paid tribute to the midfielder.

Their statement read: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Vale captain, Doug Loft, at the age of 39.

“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.”