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

Former Watford, Swansea City, Millwall and Wolves manager and Wales international Kenny Jackett has died at the age of 64.

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

Forced to retire at the age of 28, following persistent knee injuries, he began a long coaching career which also included spells in charge at Rotherham United, Portsmouth and Leyton Orient.

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

A left-sided defender or midfielder, Jackett was part of the Watford side who 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 Vetch Field home, and masterminded a Football League Trophy triumph 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 have plied their trade in the EFL, a hugely capable leader whose work across four decades has left a lasting influence on the many players, coaches and colleagues who benefited from his guidance.”

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

Though born in England, Jackett was eligible for Wales through his father Frank , who also played for Watford.

When injury brought a premature end to 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 went on to spend three years in charge of Swansea and six at Millwall before starting a three-year spell at Wolves in 2013.

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

“He improved every club he served and did so with quiet dignity throughout his career. From his first role at Watford to his final role at Gillingham, Kenny’s work was characterised by an incredible sense of responsibility to his teams and to the game itself.”