Doug Loft was the first player Peter Taylor made contact with as he began rebuilding at Gillingham.

And the Gills boss was understandably thrilled to have landed his No.1 target this week on an initial two-year contract.

Taylor knew he wanted the former Port Vale captain as soon as he found out there was a
chance.

He said: “When I found out he was out of contract I still didn’t know if I was going to be here myself but I kept him on a list should I have got the job.

“If I was to be here as manager, then he would have been one player I would be going after.

“My first phone call (when I found out I was staying) was to his agent and the rest is history. We have signed a decent player.

"Port Vale will be disappointed he is not there but he has given them five years of good value.

“He is a perfect age and I hope he can come here and become a fans' favourite straight away.”