The Den boss quits.
Check in to Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur
Kenny Jackett has resigned Milwall after nearly six years in charge of the South London side.
Jackett led Millwall to this season’s FA Cup semi-finals, where they lost to Wigan Athletic, but a poor run of league form saw them finish the campaign just two points above the relegation places in the Championship.
“After almost six seasons, I personally feel the time is right for a new challenge, and also for a new manager to come into Millwall with fresh ideas, to take the club forward towards its long-term goal of reaching the Premier League,” Jackett said in a statement on the club website.
Jackett, 51, joined the London club in 2007 and was the sixth longest-serving manager in the English Football League behind Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger of Arsenal, Everton’s David Moyes, Stoke City manager Tony Pulis and Paul Tisdale of Exeter City.
He added: “I would like to thank the chairman, the board of directors, players, members of staff and supporters of Millwall for their considerable backing.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Millwall. My family and I will always have a strong link and affinity with the club.”
Millwall’s chairman, John Berylson, said he had accepted Jackett’s resignation with reluctance.
“On a personal level, whilst respecting Kenny’s decision, I wish I could have persuaded him to change his mind,” Berylson said.
“He was my first acquisition as chairman of the club and has proved himself to be one of the best.”
Jackett was working as the coach of the Manchester City reserve team when he was appointed Millwall manager by Berylson in November 2007, following the sacking of Willie Donachie the previous March.
Millwall avoided relegation from the third tier in Jackett’s first season in charge and, after losing to Scunthorpe United in the League One play-off final the following season, they were promoted to the Championship via the play-offs in 2010.