By Will Scott
MILLWALL said they were “deeply saddened” by the death of “one of their greatest managers”, Kenny Jackett, at the age of 64, as numerous ex-Lions paid tribute to their former boss.
Jackett was appointed Lions manager in 2007 after several years of instability on and off the pitch, and stabilised the club, guiding them back to the Championship after consecutive League One play-off final appearances, as well as an FA Cup semi-final in his final campaign in 2013.
Jackett’s passing was announced last Friday.
He spent his entire playing career at Watford, before going on to manage the Hornets, Swansea City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Rotherham United, Portsmouth and Leyton Orient across a 26-year coaching career.
“Millwall Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former manager, Kenny Jackett, at the age of 64,” Millwall said in a statement.
“Kenny Jackett will forever go down as one of Millwall Football Club’s greatest managers and a man who gave Lions fans moments to remember for life.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Kenny’s family and friends at this very sad time.
“Rest In Peace, Kenny Jackett.”
Jackett was a popular figure throughout his six-year spell in SE16, and several of his former players posted tributes after the news was announced.
Former Lions captain Tony Craig said: “This is a hard one to take – Kenny was much more than my manager; he was a friend and someone I looked up to.
“He lived and breathed football and was an inspiration for me. He taught me how to be a leader on the pitch and we had so many great moments and memories together. He was also the first person to tell me that I would one day be a centre-back.
“Away from football, Kenny was a devoted family man. He always took a genuine interest in your family and how they were. He was always referring to them by name – while that might seem like a small thing, it meant a lot and showed the man he was. A true gentleman.
“I’ll miss our conversations about football and knowing he won’t be there to offer advice is incredibly difficult to accept.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends at this very difficult time. Rest In Peace, gaffer.”
Another ex-Lions captain, Paul Robinson, said: “I was really saddened to hear of the passing of Kenny Jackett, a true football man in every sense.
“It’s such a big loss to football as a whole. I know how much football meant to him, but I know how much his work meant to him as a whole as well.
“I want to thank Kenny for bringing the good times back to Millwall Football Club. We were struggling a bit when he took over, but he came in and was a steady pair of hands, especially when John Berylson was new to his role as well.
“He built that connection between the fans and the players on the pitch and he understood the club – that’s something I’ll always be grateful for. He knew what the fans demanded and he built a team to represent that.
“For me – and the players at the time – what he did for our careers at that time, I can’t thank him enough. Those games that we shared together will forever stand out, and I am eternally grateful for being able to experience that.
“Personally, to be named his captain, as someone who demanded the highest standards of professionalism and work ethic, meant a lot. He set those standards with the way he turned up every day and went about his work.
“He was a good man, both on and off the pitch. He could be honest – and ruthlessly so – but every player would trust him and his football judgment. When we went on that pitch, we wanted to perform and win games for him. He wanted a team of winners.
“It’s a really sad time for football and a big loss to the football world. I’ll be forever grateful to Kenny for what he did for me and Millwall. Thank you, Kenny – rest well.”
Millwall legend Steve Morison, who was signed by Jackett, said: “I’ve got nothing but love for Kenny. He gave me my career back when he took me from non-League and was a massive part of it.
“I’ve got to thank him for sticking by me and giving me the opportunity to keep playing and get the goals I needed to push the club – and my career – on.
“I can’t thank him enough.”
Meanwhile, England captain Harry Kane posted a tribute on social media. Kane was signed on loan from Tottenham Hotspur by Jackett in the second half of the 2011-12 season. Kane’s seven goals in 23 Championship games helped the side secure safety.
Kane said: “Very sad news. Kenny played a big part in my journey early on in my career, and I’ll always be grateful to him.
“RIP Kenny. My thoughts are with his friends and family.”
