Gills skipper Doug Loft won’t be treating this weekend’s match against his former club any differently.

“I look forward to every game and as long as we go and get a win, then that’s all
that matters,” said the 27-year-old midfielder.

“I give 100% every game and it won’t make much difference to me. It is just any other game for me and I will do my bit for the team.”

Loft will be coming up against the likes of right-back Adam Yates, whom he used to room with, but the pre-match banter will be on hold.

Loft said: “I talked to a few this week but by Friday, Saturday, I will be switched on, concentrating on my team and focusing on what we need to do.”

Loft was in the Vale team the last time they visited Priestield, in February 2014. With them were 200 travelling fans and the former Valiant has no idea what the reaction is likely to be from them.

“I am sure the fans respected my decision,” said Loft, who was offered a contract to stay at Vale Park in the summer.

“I was at Vale for five years. I did my time and couldn’t have given any more to that club or played any better.

“It will be nice to play against them but I don’t know how they will react. We will see.

“I enjoyed my time there. The club was good to me and I felt like I performed well. It was the right time to leave and pursue something new.

“From when I went there, to when I left, there has been a massive change all over the club and they are performing at a much higher level. I am proud of what I did and still have a lot of friends there.”

Loft arrived at the Gills with a good reputation from his time at Vale Park and he feels that form is now starting to show again.

He said: “I think I am playing well and starting to dictate games.

“It was a tricky start for me, with an injury and then a suspension but I am starting to make my mark."

Read more from the Gills captain in this Friday's Medway Messenger newspaper.