February 24, 2024, 19:52 GMT
Updated 16 minutes ago
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Stan Bowles in action for QPR against Tottenham in November 1975
Former England and Queens Park Rangers striker Stan Bowles has died aged 75.
He played 315 games for QPR and scored 97 goals for the Loftus Road club.
Bowles also played for Manchester City, Bury, Crewe Alexandra, Carlisle United, Nottingham Forest, Leyton Orient and Brentford.
QPR said they were “with a heavy heart” to learn that the club’s “icon” had passed away.
Bowles played for QPR from 1972 to 1979 and became known as one of English football's most celebrated entertainers and charismatic figures.
“All of our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. May he rest in peace,” a QPR statement said.
“The club will confirm in due course how we will properly honor Stan.”
Bowles began his career at Manchester City and had spells at Bury, Crewe and Carlisle before moving to QPR.
He was part of their team that finished second to Liverpool in the old First Division in 1975/76 and in 2022 had a stand at Loftus Road named after him – the Stanley Bowles Stand.
QPR paid tribute to Bowles in their statement, adding: “Stanley Bowles is a favorite of the Loftus Road terraces and is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to ever grace the famous blue and white hoops.”
“Many would argue he is the best.
“Still, Stan was a special talent – a 1970s football maverick – who was popular for his antics on and off the field.”
Bowles spent a short time at Forest before moving to Leyton Orient and Brentford, where he was named the club's Player of the Year in 1982, two years before ending his playing career.
“A great entertainer and character who brought a smile to the faces of everyone who saw him play.”
“Our thoughts are with Stan’s friends and family at this incredibly sad time.”
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Bowles won five caps for England, scoring one goal
An “outsider” and “great entertainer” – a tribute to Bowles
Bowles made his England debut away against Portugal in 1974 and scored his only international goal against Wales at Ninian Park the same year.
In 1996, he published an autobiography in which he discussed his off-field escapades, including gambling and alcohol problems.
The English Football League said he was “a wonderful player, an outsider, an icon and a QPR legend”.
Match of the Day presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker wrote: “I’m sorry to hear that Stan Bowles has died. A delightful footballer and extremely charismatic man. I always loved watching him play. RIP Stan.”
Former England and QPR winger Trevor Sinclair added: “It's really sad to hear that the great entertainer 'Stan Bowles' has passed away.”
“I know he has been unwell for some time but I prefer to remember the times when he took me under his wing and walked around the West End in the early 90s, absolute QPR legend. RIP Stan.”
An England statement on the team's X (formerly Twitter) account said: “Rest in peace, Stan Bowles. Stan played five games for England and scored a goal for the Three Lions in a 2-0 win over Wales at Ninian Park in 1974.”
Leyton Orient also added a tribute, writing: “Everyone at Leyton Orient is devastated to hear of the death of Stan Bowles, who represented the club in the 1980/81 season. A true football icon. Rest in peace, Stan.”
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Bowles had a stand named after him at QPR's Loftus Road stadium in 2022
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