Former Watford Observer correspondent Andrew French was invited to Kenny Jackett's funeral and reports on a fitting send-off for the Watford legend...
There was Kenny Jackett, the football man. And there was Ken Jackett, the family man. He was a champion at both.
That was how Joe Gallen, assistant to the former Watford and Wales player for most of his managerial career, described Jackett at his funeral on Wednesday afternoon.
The sun certainly shone on one of Watford’s favourite sons as family, friends and former colleagues gathered at West Herts Crematorium, where it was standing room only on both floors of the North Chapel.
Gallen said his long-time friend was “a Football League legend as a player, a coach and a manager”, and many of those in the congregation were very well placed to judge.
Luther Blissett, Tony Coton and John Barnes, who along with Jackett were part of the Watford squads that graced the old First Division in the 1980s, were there to remember their former teammate.
It was an era crafted by the managerial brilliance of Graham Taylor, and the legendary boss' widow Rita was also in attendance.
Others who played alongside Jackett for the Hornets or were coached by him at Vicarage Road were also there, including Nigel Gibbs, Andy Hessenthaler, Alec Chamberlain, Robert Page, Steve Palmer, Keith Millen, Richard Johnson and Lloyd Doyley.
Former Watford managers Steve Harrison and Rob Edwards also paid their respects, as did former footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones.
There was also a healthy sprinkling of players who Jackett helped set on their professional careers, like Bruce Dyer, Tommy Smith and Paul Robinson.
Born and raised in Watford, Jackett was a one-club man as a player until injury curtailed a career that also saw him capped more than 30 times by Wales.
The service, led by former Watford FC club chaplain John Graham, reflected on how Jackett broke into the Hornets first-team as a teenager and went on to play in the top-flight, in an FA Cup Final and in Europe.
As a manager, he enjoyed much success at the likes of Wolves, Millwall and Swansea, all of whom sent floral tributes and were represented at the service.
However, it was also an occasion when Jackett’s love for, and devotion to, his family were highlighted.
He fought illness during his final months, allowing him to greet his first grandchild and buy them a first pair of shoes.
His sons Ryan and David both paid emotional tributes, while his wife Sam thanked all the medical professionals who helped support her family during such a difficult time.
As Ryan admitted, had his Dad been there he would have been cringing at the attention, trying to slip off to go and watch a game of football somewhere.
But for once, Jackett had to be – and deservedly so – in the spotlight and the recipient of genuine, glowing words.
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