Death of former Rotherham United manager Kenny Jackett
TRIBUTES have been paid to former Rotherham United manager Kenny Jackett, who has has died, aged 64.
He was the club’s shortest serving manager, spending just five games and 39 days in charge in 2016.
Jackett took charge of more than 900 games across spells with seven clubs.
Rotherham United said: “Everyone at Rotherham United Football Club has been deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Millers manager Kenny Jackett.
“Jackett had a spell at AESSEAL New York Stadium in 2016 with the club in the Sky Bet Championship.
“The thoughts of everyone at Rotherham United are with the family, Kenny’s many friends and all those affected by his passing at this incredibly sad time.”
He had worked at Watford, Swansea, Millwall and Wolves before he joined the Millers, then in the Championship, in succession to Alan Stubbs.
Jackett never properly settled and oversaw one draw and four defeats before handing in his resignation in what was a huge shock at the time.
He won 31 caps for Wales during a playing career spent entirely with Watford before starting his managerial career there in 1996.
He also managed Portsmouth and Leyton Orient, who he left in 2022. He most recently worked as the director of football at Gillingham but stepped down due to medical reasons in 2024.
Richard Bevan, chief executive of the League Managers Association, 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.”