Kenny Jackett, the legendary Watford player and former Wales international, has died at the age of 64. Jackett dedicated his entire playing career to his hometown club, making 428 appearances and earning 31 caps for Wales.
Forced into early retirement at 28 due to persistent knee injuries, Jackett transitioned into coaching, managing Watford, Swansea City, Millwall, Wolves, Rotherham, Portsmouth, and Leyton Orient. He most recently served as director of football at Gillingham before stepping down in November 2024 for medical reasons.
A versatile left-sided defender or midfielder, Jackett was part of Graham Taylor's Watford side that won promotion to the top flight and reached the 1984 FA Cup final, where they lost to Everton.
As a manager, he led Swansea to promotion from the fourth tier in 2004-05, their final season at Vetch Field, and secured the Football League Trophy in 2006. He won the League One play-offs with Millwall in 2010 and the third-tier title with Wolves in 2014, amassing a then-record 103 points. At Portsmouth, he claimed the Checkatrade Trophy in 2018-19.
League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan praised Jackett as "one of the most respected managers to have plied their trade in the EFL," highlighting his "lasting influence on the many players, coaches and colleagues who benefited from his guidance."
Watford chairman Scott Duxbury expressed the club's profound loss, stating, "Kenny holds legend status here following his remarkable achievements as a player, a coach, and a manager."
Jackett, who qualified for Wales through his father Frank, is survived by his wife Samantha, sons David and Ryan.