On Saturday night, tributes poured in following the passing of former QPR and England footballer Stan Bowles at the age of 75. Bowles, who had been battling Alzheimer’s disease since 2015, was celebrated as one of the game’s most captivating personalities during his prime in the 1970s.
QPR, where Bowles made a significant mark, announced plans for a “fitting tribute” to honor his legacy, describing him as a cherished figure among fans and one of the greatest players to ever wear the club’s blue and white hoops. The club already has a stand named in his honor.
Football personalities such as Gary Lineker and former QPR player Gavin Peacock joined in paying respects to Bowles, praising his delightful playing style and charismatic demeanor both on and off the field.
Starting his career as an apprentice at Manchester City, Bowles went on to make a notable impact at QPR, where he amassed 315 league appearances and scored 97 goals over seven seasons. He was a key figure in the team that finished as runners-up to Liverpool in the old First Division during the 1975-76 season.
Despite his undeniable talent, Bowles earned just five caps for England, with his only international goal coming against Wales in 1974. His football journey also saw him play for clubs like Nottingham Forest and Leyton Orient before ultimately finishing his playing days at Brentford, where the club named him player of the year in 1982.
Bowles’s colorful personality extended beyond the pitch, as evidenced by his appearance on TV’s Superstars and his sponsorship blunder where he agreed to deals with two different boot companies for the same match. His post-retirement endeavors included after-dinner speaking, punditry for Sky Sports, and a betting column.
Following his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Bowles relocated to Manchester to receive care from his eldest daughter, Andria. In 2017, QPR organized a benefit match against Bournemouth to raise funds for his care.
The news of Bowles’s passing highlights the urgency of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK. Bowles leaves behind a lasting legacy in the football world, survived by his daughters Andria and Tracy, as well as his son Carl.
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