Kenny Jackett: Former Wales international and Watford and Swansea manager dies aged 64

Former Watford, Swansea City, Millwall and Wolves manager and Wales international Kenny Jackett has died aged 64.

Watford-born Jackett made over 300 appearances for his hometown team in a one-club playing career that saw him win 31 caps.

Forced to retire at the age of 28, due to persistent knee injuries, he began a long coaching career that also included stints at Rotherham United, Portsmouth and Leyton Orient.

Jackett became director of football at Gillingham in 2022, but stepped down from his role in November 2024 due to medical reasons.

A left-sided defender or midfielder, Jackett was part of the Watford team that 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 Veach Field home, and masterminded the Football League Trophy win 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.

League Managers Association (LMA) chief executive Richard Bevan said: “Kenny stands as one of the most respected managers to ply their trade in the EFL, a highly skilled leader whose work spanning four decades has had a lasting impact on the many players, coaches and colleagues who have benefited from his guidance.”

“Kenny is a huge loss to all who knew and loved him. Our thoughts are with his wife Samantha, sons David and Ryan and his family and friends, who join us in mourning.”

Although born in England, Jackett qualified for Wales through his father Frank, who also played for Watford.

When injury prematurely ended his playing career in 1990 he remained at Vicarage Road and became a coach under future England boss Taylor, before being appointed manager in 1996 when Taylor became director of football.

He subsequently spent three years in charge of Swansea and six years at Millwall before embarking on a three-year spell at Wolves in 2013.

“He embodies everything we love to see in a manager, humility, professionalism and deep care for his players and staff,” added Bevan.

“He improved at each club and did so with quiet dignity throughout his career. From his first role at Watford to his final role at Gillingham, Kenny’s career was marked by an incredible sense of responsibility to his team and the game.”