Kenny Jackett, a Watford legend and former Wales international, has died at 64

Kenny Jackett, a Watford legend and former Wales international, has died at 64. Born in Watford, Jackett made 428 appearances for his hometown side during a one-club playing career that also saw him win 31 caps for Wales. Forced to retire at 28 due to persistent knee injuries, he began a long coaching career that included spells in charge at Watford, Swansea City, Millwall, Wolves, Rotherham, Portsmouth, and Leyton Orient.

Jackett's playing career was marked by his dedication to Watford, where he won promotion to the top flight under Graham Taylor and played in the 1984 FA Cup final against Everton. As a manager, he led Swansea to promotion from the fourth tier in 2004-05, their final season at the 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, amassing a then-record 103 points.

The football community has been left reeling by Jackett's death, with tributes pouring in from his former clubs and players. League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan described Jackett 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." Bevan added that Jackett's death is "a huge loss to all that knew and loved him," and that the LMA's thoughts are with his family and friends.

Watford, where Jackett spent the majority of his career, described him as "a local lad who quite simply lived and breathed the Hornets, Jackett was a homegrown star who played an instrumental part in some of our greatest successes." Chairman and chief executive Scott Duxbury said that there is a "deep and profound sense of loss" at the club, and that Jackett holds "legend status" following his remarkable achievements as a player, coach, and manager.

Jackett's time at Swansea was also marked by significant success, where he spent three years and led the team to promotion. The club said that he "will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but our club and the game of football as a whole has been all the better for his presence." Millwall, where he spent six years, said that Jackett "will forever go down as one of Millwall Football Club's greatest managers and a man who gave Lions fans moments to remember for life."

Wolves, where Jackett won the third-tier title, said that they are "deeply saddened to learn of the passing of iconic former manager Kenny Jackett." He spent three years at Molineux after they dropped into the third tier, winning promotion back to the Championship at his first attempt. Jackett then had spells in charge at Rotherham, Portsmouth, and Leyton Orient before moving into senior technical and strategic roles, including a spell as director of football at Gillingham.

Jackett's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements, with Bevan praising his "humility, professionalism, and deep care for his players and staff." He added that Jackett "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, Jackett's work was characterized by an incredible sense of responsibility to his teams and to the game itself.

As the football community continues to mourn the loss of Kenny Jackett, his impact on the sport will be remembered for years to come. His dedication, passion, and commitment to the game have left a lasting legacy, and his memory will be cherished by fans, players, and coaches alike. Jackett's death is a reminder of the importance of respecting and appreciating the contributions of those who have dedicated their lives to the sport, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of football players, coaches, and managers.