Colchester United are mourning the death of former midfielder Doug Loft at the age of 39. The club confirmed the news after Loft died suddenly following a medical emergency over the weekend. The full squad, which sits 19th in League Two with 10 points from nine games, has been deeply affected by the loss.

In an official statement, Colchester United said they were devastated to hear of his passing. The club sent their thoughts and love to Loft's family and friends at what they described as an incredibly difficult time. The statement also noted that Loft was a popular figure during his time with the U's, remembered fondly by teammates, staff, and supporters.

Loft's time at the U's

Doug Loft joined Colchester United on a two-year deal in July 2016. He made 22 league and cup appearances for the club under then-manager John McGreal before departing in the summer of 2018. His spell at the JobServe Community Stadium was part of an 18-year professional career. He scored one goal for the club, a late winner in a 2-1 victory against Grimsby Town in February 2017.

A career across the leagues

Before his move to Colchester, Loft began his career at Brighton & Hove Albion, making his senior debut in 2005. He later captained Gillingham and also had significant spells at Port Vale and Shrewsbury Town. In total, he made 430 senior appearances across his career. After leaving the U's, he featured for non-league sides including Billericay Town, Margate, and Tonbridge Angels, where he was playing at the time of his death. Loft was also a former England youth international, having represented his country at Under-19 level.

Tributes and reaction

Tributes have poured in from across the football community. Gillingham, whom he captained to the League Two title in 2013, called him a true leader and a club legend. Colchester United's current manager, Danny Cowley, said the news had left everyone at the club heartbroken, adding that Loft's character and professionalism left a lasting impression.

The sad news comes as Colchester United prepare for their next League Two fixture, sitting 19th in the table with 10 points from nine games, having recorded two wins, four draws and three defeats. They are nine points behind the league leaders, Salford City. Their next match is at home to Exeter City, who are 14th, on Saturday, 17 October. The team's recent form shows three draws and two defeats from their last five outings, a run that includes a 1-0 loss at Newport County last Saturday and a 1-1 draw with Luton. The club's top scorer this season is J. Payne with 13 goals in 39 appearances. Colchester have scored 10 goals and conceded 13 so far this campaign.

This story first appeared at Colchester Gazette