Kenny Jackett, respected EFL manager and Wales international, dies aged 64

Kenny Jackett, a former Wales international and manager of Watford, Swansea City, Millwall, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, has died at the age of 64. The League Managers Association (LMA) has issued a statement recognising his four-decade career in English football, describing him as a "hugely capable leader" whose work left a lasting influence on players and colleagues.

Jackett was born in Watford and made over 300 appearances for his hometown club as a player. He was a key member of the Watford side promoted to the top flight under Graham Taylor and played in the 1984 FA Cup final, which the Hornets lost to Everton. Although born in England, he was eligible for Wales through his father, Frank, who also played for Watford, earning 31 caps for his country.

His playing career ended prematurely at the age of 28 due to persistent knee injuries. He remained at Watford as a coach under Taylor before being appointed manager in 1996. He subsequently managed Swansea City, Millwall, Wolves, Portsmouth, Leyton Orient, and Rotherham United, establishing a reputation for steady leadership across the English Football League.

As a manager, Jackett achieved significant success, leading Swansea to promotion from the fourth tier in 2005 and winning the Football League Trophy in 2006. He won the League One play-offs with Millwall in 2010, secured the third-tier title with Wolves in 2014, and won the Checkatrade Trophy with Portsmouth in 2018-19.

Jackett’s most recent role was as director of football at Gillingham, a position he held from 2022 until he stepped down in November 2024 for medical reasons. LMA Chief Executive Richard Bevan noted that Jackett improved every club he served with "quiet dignity" and embodied humility and professionalism. He is survived by his wife, Samantha, and sons, David and Ryan.