Spotted playing for Hastings United by Dean White, midfield prospect Doug Loft became Mark McGhee's first acquisition of the January transfer window in 2006 after impressing while on loan with the Seagulls. Loft had formerly been at Gillingham but took time out to complete his college work, before returning to the Gills and then moving on to Hastings. He made his debut in November 2006 against Preston.