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Football community mourns Kenny Jackett’s death

BBC Sport Football •
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Former Watford, Swansea City and Wales international Kenny Jackett died at 64. A one‑club player, he logged over 300 appearances for Watford and earned 31 caps before knee injuries forced retirement at 28. He immediately moved into coaching, later managing Rotherham, Portsmouth and Leyton Orient before becoming Gillingham’s director of football in 2022, a role he left for medical reasons in November 2024.

Jackett’s managerial résumé includes Swansea’s 2004‑05 promotion from the fourth tier, capped by a Football League Trophy win in 2006. He guided Millwall to the 2010 League One play‑off victory and steered Wolves to a record‑breaking 103‑point third‑tier title in 2013‑14. At Portsmouth he added a Checkatrade Trophy in 2018‑19, underscoring his knack for cup success.

The League Managers Association called Jackett “one of the most deeply respected EFL managers”, noting his humility and professionalism. Watford, Swansea, Millwall and Wolves each released statements praising his influence on players and staff. Family members Samantha, David and Ryan were survived by his wife and two sons, who received an outpouring of tributes from fans worldwide. Clubs that gained from his leadership.