Watford great Jackett dies aged 64

Watford legend and former Wales international Kenny Jackett has died at the age of 64.

Watford-born Jackett made 428 appearances for his hometown side during a one-club playing career that also saw him win 31 caps.

Forced to retire at the age of 28, following persistent knee injuries, he began a long coaching career which included spells in charge at Watford, Swansea City, Millwall, Wolves, Rotherham, Portsmouth and Leyton Orient.

Jackett became director of football at Gillingham in 2022, but stood down from his role for medical reasons in November 2024.

A left-sided defender or midfielder, Jackett was part of the Watford side who won promotion to the top flight under Graham Taylor, and played for the Hornets in the 1984 FA Cup final as they were beaten by Everton.

As a manager, he led Swansea to promotion from the fourth tier in 2004-05, their Welsh club's final season at their former Vetch Field home, and masterminded a Football League Trophy triumph in 2006.

He won the League One play-offs with Millwall in 2010 and the third-tier title at Wolves four years later, amassing a then-record 103 points, while he won the Checkatrade Trophy at Portsmouth in 2018-19.

League Managers Association (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 benefited from his guidance."