Tributes have poured in following the death of former Wales international and Swansea City promotion-winning manager Kenny Jackett at the age of 64.
The League Managers Association announced on Friday that Jackett had passed away on Thursday, describing him as one of the most respected figures in English football management.
In a statement issued on behalf of his family, LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said: "Kenny stands 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 benefitted from his guidance.
"He embodied everything we like to see in a manager, humility, professionalism and a deep care for his players and staff. He 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, Kenny's work was characterised by an incredible sense of responsibility to his teams and to the game itself. Kenny is a huge loss to all that knew and loved him."
Our thoughts are with his wife Samantha, sons David and Ryan, and all of his family and friends, who join us in mourning.
Born in January 1962, Jackett enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Watford, making 428 appearances for the Hornets after emerging through the club's ranks under Graham Taylor. He also represented Wales on 31 occasions, earning a reputation for reliability and intelligence on the pitch before an injury-enforced retirement led him into coaching.
Jackett quickly established himself as one of the most respected managers outside the Premier League, overseeing more than 900 matches during a career that spanned four decades.
For Welsh football supporters, his greatest achievement came at Swansea City. Appointed in 2004, he guided the club to promotion from League Two in his first full season in charge, helping lay the foundations for the remarkable rise that would eventually see Swansea reach the Premier League. During his time in Swansea, he also won the Football League Trophy and lifted the FAW Premier Cup twice.
The Swans said in a statement: "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. He will always have a special place in the hearts of Swansea fans, and his place in the history of our club is not in doubt."
Swansea City sends its sincerest condolences to Kenny's family and friends at this sad time, and the club will look to remember and pay tribute to Kenny when we are all together again at the start of the 2026/27 season.
Jackett went on to enjoy successful spells at Millwall, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Portsmouth. At Millwall, he secured promotion to the Championship through the League One play-offs in 2010 and led the club to an FA Cup semi-final. Wolves supporters remember him for restoring stability following relegation, guiding the club straight back to the Championship as League One champions with a divisional record 103 points. He later won the EFL Trophy with Portsmouth at Wembley in 2019 and also managed Rotherham United and Leyton Orient before moving into senior football administration roles.
Paying tribute on social media, Millwall said: "Millwall Football Club is extremely saddened to announce the passing of former manager Kenny Jackett at the age of 64. Kenny managed over 300 games during his time with the club, leading The Lions to promotion from League One and to an FA Cup Semi-Final. Rest in peace, Kenny."
Watford FC chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury said: "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. On behalf of everyone at Watford FC, I send my sincere condolences to his wife Samantha and sons David and Ryan, the latter of whom is working with us today, building on the legacy his father left."
Even after stepping away from frontline management, Jackett remained heavily involved in the game, most recently serving as director of football at Gillingham, where he continued to mentor coaches and support the club's long-term development.
