Kenny Jackett

Coaching Sessions

Counter-attacking

In Possession

This session is all about encouraging players to counter-attack with speed and precision. Counter-attacking is a big part of the modern game and we feel that working on this will improve the quality of our play and develop our decision making so the players know how to react when these kind of opportunities arise in matches.

Attacking in a 4-3-3 formation

Systems of Play

This is a positive attacking sessions that rehearses players in the specifics of attacking in a set 4-3-3 formation. Although a rigid set-up, the intention is to show the flexibility in attacking central and wide targets, with structure and awareness of position key elements.

Dealing with crosses

Defending

Get your players dealing with crosses that are played both into and outside of the 18-yard box. Heading, clearances, blocks and communication are the key areas of focus in this session.

Pure wing play

Attacking

Pure wing play is about developing wingers’ ability to cross the ball, whilst promoting relationships and understanding with strikers and other attack-minded team mates.

Possession beyond your opponents’ midfield

Midfield

This passing drill works on combinations in and through midfield, up to the front player. It relies on good movement, players knowing their duties and responsibilities, and a willingness to adopt key tactical ideas such as third man running.

Biography

Jackett spent his entire playing career with Watford and scored 34 goals in 428 games, placing him seventh on the list of the club’s record appearance makers. He also won 31 caps for Wales, making his debut in a 1-0 Euro 84 qualifying victory over Norway in September 1982.Jackett featured for the Hornets in the 1984 FA Cup final, but knee problems and a succession of operations forced him to hang up his boots at the age of just 28. Jackett remained at Vicarage Road as a member of the coaching team and took the top job in 1996 when Graham Taylor was named of director of football. But that lasted just a year and, with Taylor returning to the manager’s role, he became first team coach. The duo enjoyed a successful partnership, as they led Watford to successive promotions into the Premier League. He departed alongside Taylor in 2001 and then spent three years assisting Ian Holloway at QPR. Jackett took charge of fourth tier Swansea in April 2004 and guided them to automatic promotion – and FAW Premier Cup glory – in his first full season. They almost achieved a second successive promotion, but lost on penalties to Barnsley in the play-off final. But the Welsh side still picked up a couple pieces of silverware, lifting the Football League Trophy and defending the FAW Premier Cup. Jackett left Swansea in February 2007 and had a spell as Manchester City’s reserve team boss before taking up the vacant managerial post at Millwall. They reached the League One play-offs in his first full campaign at the helm, seeing off Leeds before losing to Scunthorpe in the final. It was a similar story the following year – but this time with a happier ending. Having seen off Huddersfield over two legs, a goal from Paul Robinson – later to sign for Pompey – saw off Swindon at Wembley and secured promotion. The 2012/13 campaign saw an unlikely run to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where the Lions were beaten at Wembley by eventual champions Wigan. But their Championship status was only secured on the final day and Jackett stepped down citing the need for a new challenge. Jackett was soon appointed Wolves boss and immediately had another promotion success to put on his CV. They romped to the League One title with a record tally of 103 points, winning 31 games and scoring 89 goals in the process. Wolves narrowly missed out on a place in the play-offs the following season and Jackett left following a takeover of the club. He had a short spell as Rotherham manager last season then worked in Tottenham’s academy before taking over at Portsmouth in June 2017. He has twice led the club into the play-offs and won the EFL Cup at Wembley in 2019. He is also a graduate of the LMA's Certificate of Applied Management at Warwick University.

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