Keith Pontin in 1989
Image caption, Keith Pontin played for Cardiff City and Wales

An inquest has heard that a former Wales footballer died of dementia due to trauma to the head.

The man from Pontyclun in Rhondda Cynon Taf is a former player for Cardiff City and Wales.

He died five years after being diagnosed with dementia.

Mr Pontin died of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, according to a post-mortem examination.

The inquest heard that Mr Pontin died of dementia.

Mr Pontin was an old-fashioned centre-half who was very dominant in the air, according to his friend and former player Paul Burrows.

He said he was a big, strong, tough defender and people looked up to him.

He said that in the 1980s football players would often play with injuries.

He said that it wasn't uncommon for players to clash heads.

I think players were allowed to be more physical and challenge balls in the air.

Keith Pontin
Image caption, Keith Pontin won two caps for Wales

The inquest heard from the Secretary of the club, who said they did not have any records relating to Mr Pontin.

We only keep records for seven or eight years.

David Cole, who appeared on behalf of Barry Town United, told the hearing that Mr Pontin was a gentle giant off the field.

He said that Mr Pontin had an attitude that if you were hurt, you got on with it.

Mr Cole said the current club does not have any records from the former club.

  • Dementia
  • Cardiff
  • Pontypridd