Former Portsmouth, Watford, Wolves and Millwall manager Kenny Jackett dies, aged 64

Former Pompey manager Kenny Jackett has died, aged 64.

A statement from the club has confirmed the ex-Blues boss passed away on Thursday.

He is survived by his wife Samantha and sons Ryan and David.

The former Wolves and Millwall boss was in charge at Fratton Park from the summer of 2017 until the spring of 2021.

Jackett was the first managerial appointment made by current Pompey owners Tornante, replacing Paul Cook in the Fratton Park dugout after he guided the club to the League Two title.

Among his first signings for the Blues was Brett Pitman, who went on to score 23 goals for Pompey during his maiden season at the club.

Yet, despite his goals and Pompey reaching the play-offs in 2019 and 2020, Jackett was unable to guide the Blues back to the Championship, with defeats over two legs recorded against Sunderland and the Oxford United on penalties.

During his time in charge, though, the Fratton Park outfit won nine consecutive games during the 2019-20 season, which is a post-war record.

Jackett also saw his side lift the 2019 Checkatrade Trophy, with more than 40,000 Pompey fans present at Wembley to witness the penalty shootout win against Sunderland.

The EFL Trophy, however, would ultimately cost him his job at PO4. Defeat in the delayed final of the 2020 competition in March 2021 against Salford saw him sacked the next day.

He left with a win percentage of 50.71, which remains the best recorded by a Pompey manager since Bob Blyth (1901-1904).

In February 2021 Jackett had a mole removed from his arm, yet was back carrying out managerial duties just 48 hours after surgery following the health scare.

Reflecting on Jackett’s passing, 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.’