Swansea City and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) have paid tribute to Kenny Jackett, who 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 for Wales.

Due to his father’s land of birth, Kenny was eligible to represent Wales on the international stage. He made his debut in 1982 against Norway and played his final game in April 1988 in a friendly  defeat to Sweden.

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.

In a statement, Swansea paid tribute to the man that was “responsible for starting the club on its remarkable rise from the bottom tier to the top-flight.”

“He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but our club and the game of football as a whole has been all the better for his presence,” the club said.

“He will always have a special place in the hearts of Swansea fans, and his place in the history of our club is not in doubt.

“Swansea City sends its sincerest condolences to Kenny’s family and friends at this sad time, and the club will look to remember and pay tribute to Kenny when we are all together again at the start of the 2026-27 season.”

The FAW added: “The Football Association of Wales is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Cymru international Kenny Jackett at the age of 64.

“The thoughts of everyone at the Football Association of Wales are with Kenny’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

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