EFL in Mourning as Former Port Vale and Gillingham Captain Doug Loft Dies Aged 39

English football is mourning the sudden death of Doug Loft, the former Port Vale and Gillingham captain who has passed away aged 39 following a medical emergency over the weekend. Port Vale announced the news on Monday, saying the club was "deeply saddened" to learn of the passing of their former skipper. Loft's finest years came at Vale Park, where he made 196 appearances between 2009 and 2014. He was named the club's player of the season for 2011-12, was handed the captain's armband and then led the Valiants to promotion from League Two the following campaign. His former manager Micky Adams told the BBC: "There was nobody more proud to be captain of the Vale." The midfielder began his career at Brighton before spells with Dagenham, Gillingham — where he made 70 appearances and also captained the side — Colchester United and Shrewsbury Town, later dropping into non-league with Billericay, Margate and Tonbridge Angels before retiring in 2023. Tributes were also issued by Brighton, Gillingham and Billericay. He is survived by his wife Laura and their children Freya and Amelie. Port Vale have asked the EFL for permission for their players to wear black armbands and for a minute's silence to be held before this weekend's fixture against Chesterfield.