Former Wolves, Millwall and Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett has died aged 64.
The ex-Wales worldwide – who earned 31 caps – handed away on June 11. He stepped down from his position as Gillingham’s sporting director two years in the past resulting from medical causes.
A lot of his former golf equipment have paid tribute to Jackett, with Watford chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury saying: “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 standing right here following his outstanding achievements as a participant, a coach and a supervisor, and the membership has actually misplaced certainly one of its personal.
“On behalf of everyone at Watford FC, I send my sincere condolences to his wife Samantha and sons David and Ryan, the latter of whom is working with us today, building on the legacy his father left.”
Swansea added: “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. 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.
“Swansea Metropolis sends its sincerest condolences to Kenny’s household and associates at this unhappy time, and the membership will look to recollect and pay tribute to Kenny after we are all collectively once more in the beginning of the 2026-27 season.”
Millwall described him as “one of many Lions’ greatest-ever managers”, adding he was “a person who gave Lions followers moments to recollect for all times”.
As a player, Jackett spent his entire career at Watford – making 428 appearances – before transitioning into coaching at the club. He also had a spell under Ian Holloway at QPR as assistant coach.
In 2004, he was appointed as Swansea manager, leading the club to League Two promotion in his first season. He also won the EFL Trophy and the FAW Premier Cup while in Wales.
Another promotion followed at Millwall, where he managed for six years, winning the League One play-off final in 2010 and helping consolidate the club as a Championship team.
He had a similar path at Wolves when he arrived in 2013. The Midlands club won League One in his first season in charge and narrowly missed out on the Championship play-offs the following year.
A short 39-day spell at Rotherham followed, before arriving at Portsmouth in 2017. In his four-year tenure, he led them into the play-offs and to an EFL Trophy win at Wembley, beating Sunderland in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
He finished his managerial career with Leyton Orient, before spending 18 months at Gillingham.
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said: “Kenny stands as one of the crucial revered managers to have plied their commerce within the EFL, a massively succesful chief whose work throughout 4 many years has left a long-lasting affect on the various gamers, coaches and colleagues who benefitted from his steerage.
“He embodied everything we like to see in a manager, humility, professionalism and a deep care for his players and staff. He improved every club he served and did so with quiet dignity throughout his career.
“From his first position at Watford to his last position at Gillingham, Kenny’s work was characterised by an unbelievable sense of duty to his groups and to the sport itself. Kenny is a big loss to all that knew and beloved him. Our ideas are along with his spouse Samantha, sons David and Ryan, and all of his household and associates, who be part of us in mourning.”
