Kenny Jackett has died at the age of 64 after stepping down as director of football at Gillingham for medical reasons just 18 months ago.

Jackett joined his boyhood club Watford at the age of 12 and made his first team debut just six years later. He went on to become the club's sixth highest appearance maker, turning out 337 times for the Hornets between 1980 and 1990. 

However, his playing career was cut short, retiring at 28 having undergone a series of knee operations. The one-club man turned his attention towards management after his 10-year playing career, taking charge of Watford in 1996. 

But after one season in charge, he was demoted from manager to assistant, with Graham Taylor returning to the club. The pair achieved successive promotions as Watford leapfrogged from the third division to the Premier League. 

When Taylor left Watford, so did Jackett. But he continued to perfect his craft as an assistant to Ian Holloway at QPR. 

After three more years as an apprentice, Jackett stepped up to take a full-time managerial role at Swansea City, where he remained for three years - achieving promotion from League Two in his first season. 

He spent a further two decades in the dugout across six different clubs, achieving promotion to the Championship on two occasions - through the play-offs at Millwall in 2010, before winning League One at Wolverhampton Wanderers four years later. 

Reflecting on Jackett's passing, League Managers Association 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.'

Jackett's final job in management came at Leyton Orient, where he was sacked after less than a year in charge, following an 11 game winless run in 2022. 

Three months later, he was named director of football at Gillingham after a takeover by American businessman Brad Galinson, but left on medical grounds after less than two years in the role.  

Paying tribute to Jackett, Gillingham owner 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 Scott Duxbury said: '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.'

Wolves, Portsmouth, Millwall and Swansea City were also among the added their condolences on their websites.