ON THIS DAY: Kenny Jackett Appointed Wolves Head Coach in 2013
WOLVERHAMPTON — August 12, 2026 — On this day in 2013, Kenny Jackett began a chapter that would become one of the most important rebuilding periods in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ modern history, taking charge of a Wolves side that had suffered the disappointment of consecutive relegations.
Jackett arrived at Molineux in May 2013, with Wolves preparing for life in League One after dropping from the Premier League to the third tier in successive seasons. The club was facing a difficult moment, with supporters demanding a major change in direction. According to Wolves’ official history, Jackett remained in charge from May 2013 until August 2016.
The appointment placed enormous responsibility on the experienced coach. Wolves needed not only results but also a restoration of confidence, unity and belief. Jackett quickly set about changing the atmosphere around the team and establishing a clear identity.
His impact was almost immediate.
During the 2013/14 campaign, Jackett guided Wolves to the League One title at the first attempt. The achievement was remarkable, with the team collecting a record-breaking 103 points and securing an immediate return to the Championship. Wolves themselves later described the season as a record-setting campaign that helped restore pride and identity to the club.
Jackett also placed significant trust in young players while making important decisions about the squad. His task was not simply to win matches but to create a team capable of moving forward together. At the time, he spoke about the importance of bringing players together and developing young talent into a winning team.
The transformation was visible on and off the pitch. Supporters who had endured two painful relegations suddenly had a team capable of competing at the top of the division. Crowds returned in large numbers, the atmosphere at Molineux improved and the connection between the players and supporters became stronger.
Promotion back to the Championship was followed by another impressive season. Wolves finished seventh in 2014/15, narrowly missing the play-offs on goal difference. The club had gone from crisis to promotion contenders in a remarkably short period.
Jackett’s influence extended beyond his results. He helped create the foundations for the Wolves side that would eventually rise even further in English football. His work included important recruitment decisions and giving opportunities to players who would later become significant figures at the club.
In June 2026, following the news of Jackett’s death at the age of 64, Wolves paid tribute to his contribution, describing him as the man who helped turn the club around after its double relegation. The club credited him with laying foundations for the success that followed in subsequent years.
His departure from Wolves came in July 2016 after three years at the club. Wolves officially stated that he had delivered promotion to the Championship and a seventh-place finish in his first two seasons, while thanking him for his professionalism and contribution.
Looking back, Jackett’s appointment in 2013 represents far more than a managerial change. It marked the beginning of a dramatic recovery for Wolves.
He inherited a club in turmoil and helped turn it into a team capable of winning a league title with a record points haul. His tenure may have lasted only three years, but the impact of those years remains an important part of Wolves’ recent history.
