Keith Pontin

Keith Pontin (born 14 June 1956) is a Welsh former professional footballer who played as a central defender.

Keith Pontin
Personal information
Full name Keith Pontin[1]
Date of birth (1956-06-14) 14 June 1956
Place of birth Pontyclun, Wales
Height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[2]
Playing position(s) Central defender
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1976–1983 Cardiff City 193 (5)
1983–1985 Merthyr Tydfil
1985–1991 Barry Town
National team
Wales U21 1 (0)
1980 Wales 2 (0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Pontin began his career with Cardiff City, making nearly 200 league appearances and earning two caps for the Welsh national team. He later played for Merthyr Tydfil and Barry Town.

Club career

Born in Pontyclun, Pontin began his career at Cardiff City, working his way through the youth system before making his debut in a 2–0 victory over Charlton Athletic on the opening day of the 1976–77 season. He returned to the reserves shortly afterwards due to the arrival of Paul Went from Portsmouth but was eventually recalled in September 1977 when Went was moved into a more attacking role. His impressive form over the next few seasons meant he missed very few matches for the Bluebirds and was called up for the Wales squad,[3] making his international debut in a 4-1 win over England on 17 May 1980. His second, and final, cap came four days later on 21 May in a 1–0 defeat to Scotland.[4]

During the 1981–82 season he played in more matches than any other player in the squad but couldn't stop the club from being relegated. It was at the start of the following year that things turned sour for him at Ninian Park when he fell out with manager Len Ashurst after an argument and was allowed to leave the club to join Merthyr Tydfil.[3] He later went on to finish his career at Barry Town.[1][5][6]

International career

Pontin earned one cap for Wales at under-21 level,[1] and two for the senior team.[6]

Later life

Pontin was married with two daughters. At the age of 59 Pontin developed dementia, which his family attribute to his football career.[7][8]

References
  1. "Keith Pontin". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
  2. Rollin, Jack, ed. (1980). Rothmans Football Yearbook 1980–81. London: Queen Anne Press. p. 114. ISBN 0362020175.
  3. Hayes, Dean (2006). The Who's Who of Cardiff City. Derby: Breedon Books. p. 155. ISBN 1-85983-462-0.
  4. "Wales – International Results 1980–1989 – Details". rsssf.com. Archived from the original on 2007-08-08. Retrieved 2009-12-20.
  5. "Profile". Post War English & Scottish Football League A – Z Player's Transfer Database. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
  6. "Keith Pontin". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmerman. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
  7. "Cardiff City ex-player with dementia 'gave life to the club'". BBC News. 30 May 2018. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
  8. Kate Morgan (30 May 2018). "Ex-football stars with dementia 'forgotten' by authorities". BBC News. Retrieved 31 May 2018.


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