Everyone at Gillingham Football Club is devastated to have learned that Kenny Jackett, our former Director of Football, 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, 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.”
Our thoughts and condolences are with Kenny's wife Samantha along with his sons David and Ryan at this time along with other family, friends and loved ones.
RIP
