Kenny Jackett, Former Watford Player and Manager, Dies at 64
Kenny Jackett, the former Watford player and long-serving EFL manager, died on 11 June 2026 at the age of 64. Born in Watford in 1962, he made 428 appearances for his hometown club before a coaching career spanning four decades and clubs including Swansea, Millwall, Wolves and Portsmouth. His death follows his resignation as Gillingham's director of football in November 2024 for medical reasons.
Kenny Jackett, a Watford-born left-sided defender and midfielder who spent his entire playing career at Vicarage Road, died on 11 June 2026 aged 64. He made 428 appearances for Watford, earning 31 caps for Wales and featuring in the club's 1984 FA Cup final defeat to Everton, as well as the side that finished second in the First Division in 1982-83. Persistent knee injuries forced him to retire at 28, after which he transitioned into coaching and management, beginning at Watford before taking charge at Swansea City, Millwall, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Rotherham, Portsmouth and Leyton Orient. His managerial honours included promotion from League Two with Swansea in 2005, the League One play-off title with Millwall in 2010, the League One championship with Wolves in 2014 with a then-record 103 points, and the EFL Trophy with Portsmouth in 2019. He had most recently served as director of football at Gillingham, stepping down in November 2024 due to medical reasons. Tributes poured in from his former clubs and the League Managers Association, whose chief executive Richard Bevan described him as 'one of the most respected managers to have plied their trade in the EFL', praising his humility, professionalism and lasting influence on the game.
What's missing
The specific cause of death and the nature of the medical condition that led to his resignation from Gillingham have not been disclosed by any of the sources.
What different sources said
- Channel NewsAsiaCenter
Former Watford player and manager Jackett dies at 64
- BBC Top StoriesCenter
Watford great Jackett dies aged 64
- The SunCenter
Kenny Jackett tragically dies at 64 as clubs pay tribute to ex-Championship boss
- Sky SportsCenter
Kenny Jackett: Former Wolves, Millwall, Portsmouth and Swansea manager dies aged 64
- Portsmouth FCCenter
Pompey Mourn Kenny Jackett
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