Kenny Jackett dies aged 64 as tributes paid to Watford legend and ex-Millwall boss | OneFootball

An ex-Wales international, Jackett also coached the likes of Swansea, Wolves, Rotherham and Leyton Orient during a long managerial career

Tributes have been paid to Kenny Jackett after his death at the age of 64.

Watford are mourning the loss of a “true club legend” who made 428 total appearances as a one-club player between 1980-90 before later coaching and taking over as manager at Vicarage Road.

Jackett, who earned 31 senior international caps for Wales, had a long managerial career in the EFL after knee injuries forced his early playing retirement at 28, also leading Swansea, Millwall, Wolves, Rotherham, Portsmouth and Leyton Orient.

“A true club legend and one of our own, Watford-born Kenny was instrumental in some of our greatest successes as a player before going on to serve as coach and then manager.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kenny.”

Jackett’s other former clubs also paid emotional tribute, with Swansea’s statement beginning: “Swansea City is in mourning following the passing of the club's former manager Kenny Jackett at the age of just 64.

“Kenny spent nearly three years in charge of the Swans between 2004 and 2007, and was responsible for starting the club on its remarkable rise from the bottom tier to the top-flight.”

Millwall wrote: “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.”

Wolves said: “Wolves are devastated to learn of the passing of our former manager Kenny Jackett.

“Kenny led the club to its incredible record-breaking League One title and laid the foundations for the club as we know it today.

Portsmouth wrote: “Portsmouth Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Kenny Jackett, who passed away yesterday at the age of 64.

“Kenny will be missed by everyone at Pompey and throughout the football family. Our thoughts are with all his loved ones at this sad time.”

Leyton Orient’s statement read: “We are devastated to hear about the passing of Kenny Jackett. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”

QPR said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kenny Jackett at the age of 64.

“Jackett was Ian Holloway’s assistant between 2001 and 2004, playing a vital role in the R's reaching the 2003 play-off final before securing automatic promotion to the second tier the following year.

“Our thoughts are with Kenny’s family and friends at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”

In their own tribute to Jackett, who qualified to play for the country through his father, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) wrote: “The FAW is saddened to learn of the passing of Kenny Jackett, who made 31 appearances for Cymru. Our thoughts are with Kenny's family and friends at this difficult time. Cwsg mewn hedd.”

Gillingham tweeted: “Everyone at Gillingham Football Club is devastated to have learned of the passing of Kenny Jackett, our former Director of Football, at the age of 64.

“He will be very much missed by us, and the greater Football community.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with Kenny's family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”