Record-breaking former Wolves boss and Millwall manager Kenny Jackett 'steps away' from role at League Two side for 'medical reasons'

The 62-year-old, who guided the Old Gold to the 2013-14 League One title with a record-breaking 103 points tally, has taken the decision to leave the Gills on medical grounds.

He leaves after nearly two years at Priestfield and with the club’s chairman insisting Jackett’s ‘health is the most important thing’.

Gillingham confirmed the news on Monday afternoon. A club statement read: ‘Kenny Jackett has decided to step away from his role at Gillingham Football Club due to medical reasons.

‘Having joined the Gills after the takeover in December 2022, Kenny was an integral part of steering the club away from the relegation zone in that season and laying the foundations for future success.’

Speaking of Jackett’s impact on the club, chairman Brad Galinson added: ‘Kenny has been a calm and knowledgeable person to have around the club.

‘His experience and contacts within the game have been invaluable and whilst we are sad to see him step down, Kenny's health is the most important thing and must be his sole focus.

‘I'm grateful for what he has given to the club and I'm sure our fans will respect his and his family's privacy.’

Jackett replaced Dean Saunders as Wolves boss in June 2013 following the club’s relegation from the Championship. However, he got the team back into the second tier at the first time of asking. Indeed Wolves finished the season top of the pile with 103 points - which remains a league record - thanks to 31 win from their 46 games played.

Following seventh and 14th-placed Championship finishes in the two seasons that followed, the former Watford and Millwall boss was replaced by Walter Zenga in the summer of 2016.

During his time as Portsmouth manager, Jackett had a mole removed from his arm, yet was back carrying out managerial duties just 48 hours after surgery.