Watford-born Kenny Jackett, one of English football’s most respected managers and a loyal servant to his hometown club, has died at the age of 64.
Jackett made over 300 appearances for Watford during a one-club playing career that also earned him 31 caps for Wales, qualifying through his father Frank, who also played for the Hornets.
A left-sided defender or midfielder, he was part of the Watford side who won promotion to the top flight under Graham Taylor during one of the club’s most celebrated eras.
Jackett also played for Watford in the 1984 FA Cup final, where they were beaten by Everton in what remains one of the club’s greatest occasions.
Persistent knee injuries forced him to retire at just 28, but he remained at Vicarage Road and began a coaching career under Taylor before being appointed manager in 1996.
His managerial record across the Football League was outstanding, with promotions and trophy wins at Swansea City, Millwall, Wolves, and Portsmouth across four decades.
He guided Swansea to promotion from the fourth tier in 2004-05, their final season at the Vetch Field, and added a Football League Trophy triumph in 2006.
At Millwall, he won the League One play-offs in 2010, and he claimed the third-tier title at Wolves four years later before winning the Checkatrade Trophy at Portsmouth in 2018-19.
Jackett became director of football at Gillingham in 2022 but stood down from that position for medical reasons in November 2024.
League Managers Association Chief Executive Richard Bevan said: “Kenny stands as one of the most respected managers to have plied their trade in the EFL, a hugely capable leader whose work across four decades has left a lasting influence on the many players, coaches and colleagues who benefited from his guidance.”
Bevan added: “He embodied everything we like to see in a manager, humility, professionalism and a deep care for his players and staff.”
Watford FC Chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury said: “There is a deep and profound sense of loss at the football club following the sad news Kenny Jackett has passed away.”
Duxbury continued: “Kenny holds legend status here following his remarkable achievements as a player, a coach and a manager, and the club has truly lost one of its own.”
Watford described him on their official website as “a local lad who quite simply lived and breathed the Hornets, Jackett was a homegrown star who played an instrumental part in some of our greatest successes.”
Millwall, where Jackett spent six years, said: “Kenny Jackett will forever go down as one of Millwall Football Club’s greatest managers and a man who gave Lions fans moments to remember for life.”
Swansea City paid tribute by saying: “He will always have a special place in the hearts of Swansea fans, and his place in the history of our club is not in doubt.”
Wolves said they were “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of iconic former manager Kenny Jackett” following his three transformative years at Molineux.
Bevan concluded his tribute by saying: “From his first role at Watford to his final role at Gillingham, Kenny’s work was characterised by an incredible sense of responsibility to his teams and to the game itself.”
The LMA confirmed that Jackett is survived by his wife Samantha, sons David and Ryan, and all of his family and friends.
