Kenny Jackett, a one-club Watford player who later managed the club and other teams, died on June 12 at the age of 64 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Jackett made over 300 appearances for Watford during his playing career, although some reports list 428 appearances [1, 2, 4]. He played primarily as a midfielder and defender and won 31 caps for Wales through his father Frank [1, 2, 3].

Jackett was a key member of the Watford team that earned promotion to the First Division in 1982 and finished second in the top flight in the 1982-83 season, the club's highest-ever league finish [2, 3, 4]. He also played in Watford’s only FA Cup final appearance in 1984, which they lost to Everton [1, 2, 3, 4]. His playing career ended prematurely at 28 due to knee injuries [1].

After retiring as a player, Jackett began coaching at Watford and became manager in 1996, leading the club for one season before departing [1, 3]. He went on to manage Swansea City (2004–07), Millwall (circa 2007–13), Wolves (2013–16), Portsmouth, Leyton Orient, and Rotherham [1, 2, 3]. He won promotion from League Two with Swansea in 2005, the League One play-offs with Millwall in 2010, the League One title with Wolves in 2014, and the Checkatrade Trophy with Portsmouth in 2018-19 [1, 3].

Most recently, Jackett served as director of football at Gillingham from January 2023 until his resignation for medical reasons in November 2024 [1, 3]. Watford chairman Scott Duxbury called Jackett a "legend" whose remarkable achievements spanned his roles as player, coach, and manager, adding that the club "has truly lost one of its own" [2]. He extended condolences to Jackett’s wife Samantha and sons David and Ryan, noting Ryan is currently working at Watford [2].

Richard Bevan, chief executive of the League Managers Association, said Jackett was among "the most respected managers to have plied their trade in the EFL," and described him as a "hugely capable leader" whose impact lasted four decades [1]. Bevan also expressed sympathy for Jackett’s family, saying, "Kenny is a huge loss to all that knew and loved him" [1].

Kenny Jackett is survived by his wife Samantha and two sons, David and Ryan [1, 2, 4].