Gillingham FC capture the signature of midfielder Doug Loft
Gillingham have captured the signing of midfielder Doug Loft on an initial two-year contract.The 27-year-old turned down a fresh deal to remain at fellow League One club Port Vale, and passed a medical on Tuesday afternoon before putting pen to paper at MEMS Priestfield Stadium.
Loft, originally from Maidstone, was signed by Brighton from Hastings United in 2006 and spent over three years at the Withdean Stadium, making 49 appearances and scoring three times.
Following a short loan spell at Dagenham & Redbridge he was released by Albion in 2009 and joined Port Vale that summer.
He went on to establish himself as a first team regular at Vale Park and made 197 appearances across his five year spell. He scored 19 goals in all competitions, including nine during the 2013-14 campaign.
He was voted the club’s `Player of the Year` at the end of the 2011-12 season with the club having finished 12th in League Two.
Loft went on to achieve automatic promotion with the club in 2012-13, finishing third behind Rotherham and Champions Gillingham.
Regarding the deal Peter Taylor said: "I'm very pleased; he's a player I have looked at for a very long time, he's a very good professional who can play in three or four positions and he's a leader.
"He's been a good servant to Port Vale but we are delighted to get him."
We will bring you an exclusive interview with Doug on the official website shortly.