QPR legend Stan Bowles – famed for his hedonistic lifestyle – has died aged 75 following a battle with Alzheimer’s.
He was considered one of the greatest non-conformists of 70s football and has a stand named after him at Loftus Road.
PA:Empics SportQPR legend Stan Bowles has died aged 75 following a battle with Alzheimers[/caption]
Getty – ContributorHe was considered one of the greatest non-conformists of 70s football and has a stand named after him at Loftus Road[/caption]
In a statement, QPR said on Saturday: “It is with a heavy heart we have learned that QPR icon Stan Bowles sadly passed away this evening, 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.”
Tributes flooded in for the striker, with many remembering him as much for his charisma as his footballing prowess.
Gary Lineker wrote on X: “Sorry to hear that Stan Bowles has died. A delightful footballer and hugely charismatic man.
“Always loved watching him play. RIP Stan.”
Bowles played 255 times for QPR and netted 70 goals between 1972 and 1979.
Despite his talents, he won just five England caps, his only international goal coming against Wales at Ninian Park in 1974.
But it was his off pitch antics that put him firmly in the public’s imagination.
Reflecting on his vices, he famously said: “I blew the lot on vodka and tonic, gambling and fags.
“Looking back, I think I overdid it on the tonic.”
A chaotic lifestyle was characterised by Bowles agreeing sponsorship deals with two different boot companies for the same match and wearing one of each.
His 1996 autobiography revealed the extent of his drinking, womanising and gambling during his playing days.
Bowles wound down his playing career back in west London with Brentford and retired in 1984.
He later moved onto the after-dinner speaking circuit as well as some pundit work and a betting column.
In 2021, QPR opened the Stanley Bowles stand in tribute to the iconic striker.
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