Former Wolves and Watford manager Kenny Jackett dies aged 64
Kenny Jackett, former Watford and Wales footballer who managed over 900 games across seven clubs, died at 64. He led Swansea, Millwall, and Wolves to promotions, including a record-breaking League One title with Wolves in 2014, and won the EFL Trophy with Portsmouth in 2019. Jackett retired as Gillingham's director of football on medical grounds in November 2024. Clubs and the League Managers Association paid tribute to his humility and professionalism. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
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Former Watford and Swansea manager Kenny Jackett dies aged 64
Kenny Jackett, the former Watford and Swansea City manager and Wales international footballer, has died at the age of 64. Born in Watford, he made over 300 appearances for his hometown club and earned 31 caps for Wales. Forced to retire at 28 due to knee injuries, he transitioned into coaching, managing Watford, Swansea, Millwall, Wolves, Rotherham United, Portsmouth, and Leyton Orient. As a manager, he led Swansea to promotion from the fourth tier in 2005, won the Football League Trophy in 2006, secured League One play-off victory with Millwall in 2010, and won the third-tier title with Wolves in 2014. He also won the Checkatrade Trophy with Portsmouth in 2019. Jackett served as director of football at Gillingham until stepping down for medical reasons in November 2024. The League Managers Association praised his humility, professionalism, and lasting influence on the game. He is survived by his wife Samantha and sons David and Ryan.
BBC SportWatford Great Kenny Jackett Dies Aged 64
Kenny Jackett, the Watford legend and former Wales international, has died at the age of 64. Born in Watford, he made 428 appearances for his hometown club during a one-club playing career, winning 31 caps for Wales. Forced to retire at 28 due to knee injuries, he transitioned into a long coaching career. As a manager, he led Swansea City to promotion from the fourth tier in 2004-05, won the League One play-offs with Millwall in 2010, and secured the third-tier title with Wolves in 2014, amassing a then-record 103 points. He also managed Watford, Rotherham, Portsmouth, and Leyton Orient, and served as director of football at Gillingham until stepping down for medical reasons in November 2024. Tributes from Watford, Swansea, Millwall, Wolves, and the League Managers Association highlighted his humility, professionalism, and lasting impact on English football.
BBC SportFormer Wolves, Millwall and Portsmouth Manager Kenny Jackett Dies Aged 64
Kenny Jackett, the former Wolves, Millwall, Portsmouth, and Swansea manager, has died at the age of 64. The ex-Wales international, who earned 31 caps, passed away on June 11, 2026. Jackett stepped down as Gillingham's sporting director two years ago due to medical reasons. His former clubs paid tribute, with Watford chairman Scott Duxbury calling him a 'legend.' Jackett's managerial career included promotions with Swansea (League Two), Millwall (League One play-off), and Wolves (League One title). He also led Portsmouth to an EFL Trophy win. As a player, he made 428 appearances for Watford. The LMA chief executive described him as one of the most respected managers in the EFL. He is survived by his wife Samantha and sons David and Ryan.
SkySports | NewsKenny Jackett, former Wales and Watford player and successful manager, dies aged 64
Kenny Jackett, the former Watford and Wales footballer who went on to manage seven clubs including Wolves, Millwall, and Swansea, has died at age 64. Jackett spent his entire playing career at Watford, winning 31 Wales caps and being part of the club's most successful era under Graham Taylor, including promotion to the top flight in 1982, a second-place First Division finish in 1983, and an FA Cup final appearance in 1984. As a manager, he led Swansea to promotion from League Two in 2005, took Millwall to the Championship via the League One playoffs in 2009 and an FA Cup semi-final in 2013, and guided Wolves to a record-breaking League One title with 103 points in 2014. He also managed Portsmouth, Rotherham, and Leyton Orient, and served as director of football at Gillingham until resigning on health grounds in November 2024. Both Watford and Wolves paid tribute, calling him a club legend.
Football | The GuardianKenny Jackett, former Wales and Watford player and successful manager, dies aged 64
Kenny Jackett, the former Watford and Wales footballer who managed seven clubs including Wolves, Millwall, and Swansea, has died at age 64. Jackett spent his entire playing career at Watford, winning 31 Wales caps and being part of the club's most successful era, including promotion to the top flight in 1982 and an FA Cup final in 1984. He began his managerial career at Watford in 1996 before notable spells at Swansea (promotion from League Two in 2005), Millwall (League One playoff win in 2009 and FA Cup semi-final in 2013), and Wolves (record-breaking League One title with 103 points in 2014). He also managed Portsmouth, Rotherham, and Leyton Orient, and served as director of football at Gillingham until resigning on health grounds in November 2024. Both Watford and Wolves paid tribute, calling him a club legend who laid foundations for future success.
Football | The GuardianKenny Jackett, former Wales and Watford player and successful manager, dies aged 64
Kenny Jackett, the former Watford and Wales footballer who later managed seven clubs including Millwall and Wolverhampton Wanderers, has died at the age of 64. Jackett spent his entire playing career at Watford, earning 31 caps for Wales, and was part of the Watford team that finished second in the top division in 1983 and reached an FA Cup final. He began his managerial career at Watford in 1996 and went on to manage over 900 games across seven clubs, most recently Leyton Orient. Jackett led Swansea, Millwall, and Wolves to promotions, and reached an FA Cup semi-final with Millwall. Both Watford and Wolves paid tribute, with Wolves noting he 'laid the foundations for the club as we know it today.'
Football | The GuardianFormer Wolves and Millwall boss Kenny Jackett dies aged 64 as clubs pay emotional tribute
Kenny Jackett, the former manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Millwall, Swansea City, and other clubs, has died at the age of 64. Jackett managed over 900 games in nearly 30 years, winning promotions with Swansea, Millwall, and Wolves, where he led the club to a record-breaking League One title. He also managed Portsmouth, winning the EFL Trophy in 2019, and later served as director of football at Gillingham before leaving on medical grounds in November 2024. His former clubs, including Millwall and Wolves, released emotional tributes, praising his leadership and legacy. LMA Chief Executive Richard Bevan described him as one of the most respected managers in the EFL, known for his humility and professionalism. Jackett is survived by his wife Samantha and sons David and Ryan.
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