Tributes have been paid to Kenny Jackett, the former Gillingham Director of Football who has passed away at the age of 64.

As a player, Kenny played well over 400 times for Watford and made 31 caps for the Welsh senior side before moving into coaching at Vicarage Road, working alongside the likes of Luther Blissett and Graham Taylor.

In April 2004 he took over as manager at Swansea before spells at Millwall, Wolves, Rotherham United, Portsmouth and Leyton Orient. He won three promotions during his time in the dugout, and an EFL Trophy in 2019, before arriving at MEMS Priestfield Stadium as Director of Football in January 2023.

He was in the role for just shy of two years, stepping down in November 2024.

Owner, Brad Galinson, said: “Everyone at Gillingham FC is saddened to learn that Kenny has passed away. Kenny was a man of great integrity. In our early days in English football his knowledge of the game, his vast contacts within it and his willingness to share his wisdom with us was invaluable to us. 

“He was loved and respected across the game, not only for his achievements, but the manner in which he carried out his work. He really is a legend of the EFL and Football in general. Our thoughts are with Kenny’s family at this sad time, but we hope the inevitable outpouring of love, affection and respect for Kenny will provide some comfort to them during this difficult time.”

Watford chairman and CEO Scott Duxbury added: “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.”

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.”

Picture supplied by Gillingham Football Club.