ONE of the most dazzling and decorated footballers ever to represent the town of Barry passed away last week, at the age of 82.

Bengt Berndtsson died suddenly on Thursday evening (June 4), shortly after watching his beloved IFK Gothenburg (for whom he made 599 appearances) earn a 1-0 win against opponents Elfsborg.

Affectionately known as 'Fölet' (or 'the Foal') in his native Sweden, winger Berndtsson was part of an influx of Scandinavian stars brought to Barry by former Town chairman John Bailey.

Winning the first of 29 full international caps in 1956 against an England team that included Manchester United star Duncan Edwards, Berndtsson had been part of the Sweden squad that reached the final of the 1958 World Cup on home soil; featuring in the group stage match against Wales.

It was mere months later, in early 1959, that Bailey and manager Harry Haslam pulled off their astonishing coup; signing Berndtsson, in the prime of his career, to a loan deal at Barry Town.

Bailey had maintained business interests in the country for some time, using his connections to bring IFK Stockholm to Barry for two friendlies and to organise a six-match tour of Sweden for the Town side.

The subsequent signing of Berndtsson would catch the imagination of the Barry public and a sizeable crowd came to Jenner Park on February 21, 1959, to witness the first of his 20 plus appearances; a 1-1 draw against Wellington Town.

At the time, the Barry & District News described Berndtsson as “an extremely clever footballer” who "thrilled the Jenner Park crowd with some wonderful touches”.

Scoring his first Barry goal in the 2-0 win at Bath City the following Saturday, Berndtsson would open his account at Jenner Park in the 3-1 victory over Lovells Athletic, a fortnight after his debut.

Only weeks after making the scoresheet in a Welsh League fixture against Brecon Corries, Berndtsson helped Sweden to victory over Portugal in front of a hometown crowd of 44,000 in Gothenburg.

Continuing his success on the international stage, Berndtsson would also play in October's 3-2 win over England at Wembley; a match watched by some 80,000 spectators.

By this time, Berndtsson had resumed his club career with IFK Gothenburg, but he would make a remarkable return to Barry for a second spell in 1961.

Described as "a firm favourite" by reporter Clive Phillips, he would later play in the 1962 European Championships, featuring in the tournament win over neighbours Norway and ending his international career with five goals to his credit.

Reflecting on his time at Jenner Park, Barry club historian Jeff McInery remarked that Berndtsson's value today may well have exceeded the £10 million mark.

Continuing his lifelong love for football, the spritely Swede remained actively involved with IFK Gothenburg until his untimely death, training with the club's 'oldboys' each weekend and lacing up the boots for veterans action well into his senior years.

Indeed, such was his level of health that his passing stunned the Gothenburg community when reported late last week.

Held in the highest of regards, long-time friend Tomas Granbom recalled that Berndtsson "enjoyed his time with Barry Town" and echoed the consensus of those close to him, calling the European Cup footballer and World Cup silver medallist "pure class" and "a gentleman" to match.

"The world would be better if everyone could be like him".