Former player and head coach at Watford Football Club, Kenny Jackett, has died at the age of 64 over health issues.
The death of Jackett, who also had managerial stints at Swansea City, Millwall and Wolvehampton Wanderers, has led to tributes from his previous employees and the world at large, who have identified the deceased as a true sportsman and worthy of emulation.
League Managers Association, LMA, Chief Executive Richard Bevan, on Friday, 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.”
“Kenny is a huge loss to all that knew and loved him. Our thoughts are with his wife Samantha, sons David and Ryan, and all of his family and friends, who join us in mourning.”
“Kenny will be missed by everyone at Pompey and throughout the football family,” reads a statement by Portsmouth where the former Irish international managed.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our former player and manager, Kerry Jackett,” a Watford circular reads.
“A true club legend and one of our own. Watford-born Kenny was instrumental in some of our greatest successes as a player before going on to serve as coach and then manager.”
“Swansea City is in mourning following the passing of the club’s former manager, Kenny Jackett at the age of justice 64.
“Rest in peace, Kenny. Once a Jack, always a Jack,”
“Millwall Football Club is extremely saddened to announce the passing of former manager, Kenny Jackett, at the age of 64,” says the club.
“Kenny managed over 309 ganes during his time with the club, leading The Lions to promotion from League One and to an FA Cup Semi-Final.
Rest in peace, Kenny”.
“Wolves are devastated to learn of the passing of our former manager, Kenny Jackett,” Wolvehampton Wanderers released in a statement.
“Kenny ked the club to its incredible record-breaking League One title and laid the foundations for the club as we know it today.”
Forced to retire at the age of 28, following persistent knee injuries, he began a long coaching career which also included spells in charge at Rotherham United, Portsmouth and Leyton Orient.
Jackett became director of football at Gillingham in 2022, but stood down from his role for medical reasons in November 2024.
A left-sided defender or midfielder, Jackett was part of the Watford side who won promotion to the top flight under Graham Taylor, and played for the Hornets in the 1984 FA Cup final as they were beaten by Everton.
As a manager, he led Swansea to promotion from the fourth tier in 2004-05, their Welsh club’s final season at their former Vetch Field home, and masterminded a Football League Trophy triumph in 2006.
He won the League One play-offs with Millwall in 2010 and the third-tier title at Wolves four years later, while he won the Checkatrade Trophy at Portsmouth in 2018-19.