Kenny Jackett, the Watford legend and former Wales international who went on to manage seven clubs including Wolves, Millwall and Swansea, has died at the age of 64.
Jackett made 428 appearances for his hometown club Watford during a one-club playing career, winning 31 caps for Wales. A left-sided defender or midfielder, he was part of the Watford side that won promotion to the top flight under Graham Taylor, finished second in the First Division in 1983, and reached the 1984 FA Cup final, where they lost to Everton.
“Kenny Jackett, Watford legend and former Wales international, dies aged 64 after a career as player and manager.”
But persistent knee injuries forced him to retire at just 28. He remained at Vicarage Road as a coach before being appointed manager in 1996. After a 13th‑place finish in the third tier, he returned to the coaching staff.
Jackett’s managerial career took off at Swansea, whom he led to promotion from League Two in 2005, their final season at the Vetch Field. He also masterminded a Football League Trophy triumph in 2006 before resigning in February 2007. At Millwall, he won the League One play-offs in 2010 and took the Lions to an FA Cup semi-final in 2012-13. He joined Wolves after their relegation to League One and won the third-tier title with a then-record 103 points in 2014. A seventh‑placed finish in the Championship followed, but he was dismissed in 2016 after the club was taken over by Fosun International.
Jackett later managed Rotherham, Portsmouth (winning the Checkatrade Trophy in 2018-19), and Leyton Orient, where he was sacked in February 2022. He became director of football at Gillingham in January 2023 but stood down in November 2024 for medical reasons.
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." He added: "Kenny is a huge loss to all that knew and loved him."
Watford chairman 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. 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."
Swansea said: "He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but our club and the game of football as a whole has been all the better for his presence."
Jackett leaves his wife Samantha, sons David and Ryan, and his wider family and friends.