Soccer-Former Watford player and manager Jackett dies at 64 - Headlines news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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Soccer-Former Watford player and manager Jackett dies at 64

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 12, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: June 12, 2026

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Kenny Jackett, Former Watford Legend as Player and Manager, Dies at 64

Legacy and Career of Kenny Jackett

Early Life and Watford Beginnings

June 12 (Reuters) - Lifelong Watford player Kenny Jackett, a midfielder and defender who played in the club's only appearance in the FA Cup final to date and later managed the club, has died at the age of 64, the club said on Friday.

Playing Career Highlights

Club Loyalty and Achievements

The Wales international was born in Watford and joined the club - where his father Frank Jackett had also played - at the age of 12, spending his entire playing career there and making 428 appearances. He was part of the squad that finished second in the First Division in 1982-83, the club's highest-ever finish, and played in the 1984 FA Cup final that the side lost to Everton.

Transition to Management

Managerial Roles Beyond Watford

His managerial career began at Watford as well, and he went on to coach clubs including Swansea City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Portsmouth.

Tributes and Condolences

Watford FC's Statement

"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," said Watford chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury.

Family and Legacy

"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."

(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Hugh Lawson )

Key Takeaways

  • Jackett spent his entire playing career at Watford, making 428 appearances and playing in their only FA Cup Final in 1984 (en.wikipedia.org).
  • He earned 31 caps for Wales, and his managerial career included promotions with Swansea City (2005), Millwall (2010), Wolves (2014), and an EFL Trophy with Portsmouth in 2019 (en.wikipedia.org).
  • At the time of his death, he had recently stepped down as Gillingham’s sporting director in 2024 for medical reasons and was widely mourned across English football (skysports.com).

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Kenny Jackett?
Kenny Jackett was a lifelong Watford FC player, Wales international, and later managed Watford and other clubs.
How many appearances did Kenny Jackett make for Watford?
Kenny Jackett made 428 appearances for Watford during his playing career.
What were some of Kenny Jackett's achievements with Watford?
Jackett played in Watford's only FA Cup final in 1984 and was part of the squad that finished second in the First Division in 1982-83.
What managerial roles did Kenny Jackett hold after his playing career?
After managing Watford, Jackett coached teams like Swansea City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Portsmouth.
When did Kenny Jackett die?
Kenny Jackett died at the age of 64, as announced by Watford FC on June 12.

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