Kenny Jackett, Former Watford Player and Manager, Dies at 64
Kenny Jackett, a legendary figure at Watford FC who played over 300 appearances for the club and later managed it along with several other EFL teams, has died at age 64. Jackett was a Wales international who spent his entire playing career at his hometown club Watford, including playing in the 1984 FA Cup final, before becoming a respected manager across four decades. His death marks the loss of one of the English Football League's most respected figures, known for his professionalism and ability to improve every club he managed.
Kenny Jackett, a lifelong Watford player and later manager of multiple English Football League clubs, has died at the age of 64. Born in Watford, Jackett joined the club at age 12 and made over 300 appearances as a left-sided defender or midfielder during his playing career, which ended prematurely at age 28 due to persistent knee injuries. He was part of the Watford side that finished second in the First Division in 1982-83 and played in the club's only FA Cup final appearance in 1984, which they lost to Everton. As a manager, Jackett had a distinguished career spanning four decades, leading Swansea City to promotion from the fourth tier in 2004-05, winning the League One play-offs with Millwall in 2010, securing the third-tier title at Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2014, and winning the Checkatrade Trophy at Portsmouth in 2018-19. He also served as director of football at Gillingham in 2022 before stepping down for medical reasons in November 2024. Tributes from the League Managers Association and Watford FC highlighted his humility, professionalism, and lasting influence on players and colleagues throughout his career.
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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