Ex-Millwall and Wolves boss Kenny Jackett dies aged 64

Former Wolves, Watford, Portsmouth and Millwall manager Kenny Jackett has died aged 64.

Jackett, who made 428 appearances as a player, also had spells in charge of Swansea, Rotherham and Leyton Orient.

He turned out 337 times for Watford during a decade-long spell, and played 31 times for Wales.

His final role was director of football at Gillingham before he stepped down for medical reasons in November 2024.

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Watford chairman Scott Duxbury said in a tribute: ‘There is a deep and profound sense of loss at the football club following the sad news Kenny Jackett has passed away.

‘Kenny holds legend status here following his remarkable achievements as a player, a coach, and a manager, and the club has truly lost one of its own.’

Jackett’s longest stint as manager was at Millwall, where he oversaw 306 games from 2007-2013.

A club statement read: ‘Kenny 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.

‘The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Kenny’s family and friends at this very sad time.’

Swansea, where he was in charge from 2004-07, said: ‘He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but our club and the game of football as a whole has been the better for his presence.

‘He will always have a special place in the hearts of Swansea fans, and his place in history of our club is not in doubt.’

Wolves said Jackett would ‘be forever remember as the man who started the club’s rise from the third tier of English football into European title chasers.’

The statement added: ‘If not for the foundations he laid at Molineux, Wolves may never have reached those dizzying heights they have experienced in more recent years.’