QPR have announced that former player Stan Bowles has died at the age of 75. Bowles played more than 500 games in English football and earned five international caps for England. He made his name at QPR from 1972 to 1979, making 315 appearances and scoring 97 goals. Bowles retired in 1984 and had been living with Alzheimer’s disease for some time after his diagnosis in 2015.
Former QPR and England forward Stan Bowles has died at the age of 75.
Bowles, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2015, made more than 300 appearances for QPR and was capped five times by England.
The news was announced by QPR, who said in a statement: “It is with a heavy heart we have learned that QPR icon Stan Bowles sadly passed away this evening [Saturday], aged 75. All our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. May he rest in peace.
“The club will be confirming how we will be paying a fitting tribute to Stan in due course.”
Bowles began his career as an apprentice at Manchester City before enjoying spells at Bury, Crewe and then Carlisle.
But it is with QPR he made the biggest impact. Bowles signed in 1972 and went on to make 315 league appearances and score 97 goals.
He was part of the side that finished second to Liverpool in the 1975/76 First Division and was described by QPR as “a darling of the Loftus Road terraces” in the club’s touching tribute.
“Stanley Bowles is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to have ever pulled on the famous blue and white hoops,” the statement continued. “Many would argue that he is the best.
“Regardless, Stan was a special talent – a 1970s footballing maverick – who was popular for his antics both on and off the field, with team-mate and close friend Don Shanks never far from the action.
“He was also one of the most naturally-gifted players of his generation.”
Although he enjoyed plenty of success domestically, he only made five appearances for England, scoring just one goal for his country in a game against Wales in 1974.
He finished his career with Brentford, retiring in 1984.
