Doug Loft, Former Port Vale and Gillingham Captain, Passes Away at 39

Doug Loft, a former captain of Port Vale and Gillingham, has passed away at the age of 39 after experiencing a medical emergency over the weekend.

Loft played for Port Vale from 2009 to 2014, making 196 appearances and scoring 19 goals. He was recognized as the club's player of the season in 2011-12 and later served as captain, leading the team to promotion from League Two. After his time at Port Vale, he joined Gillingham, where he also captained the team.

Both clubs expressed their condolences, with Port Vale stating that Loft would be remembered for his achievements and leadership. In honor of Loft, the club has requested permission from the EFL for players to wear black armbands and to observe a minute's silence during the upcoming match against Chesterfield.