Kenny Jackett, a former player and manager of Watford, has passed away at the age of 64, it has been confirmed.
Throughout his career, Jackett also managed Millwall, Swansea, Wolves, Rotherham, Portsmouth, and Leyton Orient.
As a player, he made 428 appearances for Watford and earned 31 caps for the Welsh national team. His last position in the football industry was as director of football at Gillingham, where he stepped down for medical reasons in November 2024.
Scott Duxbury, chairman and CEO of Watford, expressed: “There is a profound sense of loss at the club with the passing of Kenny Jackett. He is celebrated as a legend for his outstanding contributions as a player, coach, and manager. Watford has truly lost one of its own.” Duxbury extended condolences to Jackett’s wife Samantha and his sons David and Ryan, the latter of whom is currently working with the club, continuing his father’s legacy.
Kenny, the son of Frank Jackett, a former Watford player, progressed through the club’s youth system and played a pivotal role in the team’s ascent to prominence under manager Graham Taylor during the 1980s. Watford achieved promotion to the First Division in 1982, finished as runners-up in the top division the following year, and reached the FA Cup final in 1984.
Comfortable in both midfield and defense, Jackett scored 34 goals for the Hornets but had to retire early at 28 due to injury. He transitioned into coaching, leading Watford during the 1996-97 season and later securing promotions with Swansea, Millwall, and Wolves.
His longest managerial tenure was with Millwall, where he managed 306 games from 2007 to 2013. The club stated: “Kenny Jackett is remembered as one of Millwall Football Club’s greatest managers, leaving fans with unforgettable memories.”
At Swansea, where he managed from 2004 to 2007, he was credited with starting the club’s impressive journey from the bottom tier to the Premier League. The statement added: “He will be deeply missed, but his impact on the club and on the sport will always be remembered.”
Wolves paid tribute to Jackett, saying he would always be remembered for kickstarting their rise from the third tier to becoming European title contenders. “Without the foundations he laid at Molineux, Wolves may never have reached the heights they’ve achieved in recent years,” they stated.
