Stan Bowles dead at 75 as tributes paid to QPR legend and ex-England forward

24 February 2024 , 20:29

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Stan Bowles has died at the age of 75 (Image: Daily Mirror)

Former QPR and England star Stan Bowles has died at the age of 75, the football legend's daughter has confirmed.

"Sad to be writing this but dad has passed away," Bowles' daughter Tracey on her father's Facebook page. "He was with all the family and went peacefully. God bless you Stanley."

Bowles spent the majority of his playing career with QPR, making more than 250 appearances for the London club. He also played five times for England's senior side, scoring once in a victory against Wales.

"It is with a heavy heart we have learned that QPR legend Stan Bowles has passed away," QPR wrote on social media. "A footballing icon and arguably the greatest to have ever worn our famous blue and white hoops. All our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. RIP, Stan. Forever R's."

Gary Lineker led the tributes from the footballing world. "Sorry to hear that Stan Bowles has died," the Match of the Day host wrote. "A delightful footballer and hugely charismatic man. Always loved watching him play. RIP Stan."

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Another of Bowles' former clubs, Manchester City, paid tribute. "Everyone at Manchester City sends their condolences to Stan's family and friends at this difficult time," their message read.

The forward was once voted QPR's best-ever player in a poll of fans, and was part of a team that finished as runners-up in the old First Division in the 1975-76 season. Bowles ended his career at Brentford, and they also shared a tribute online.

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Stan Bowles during his time at QPR (Mirrorpix)

"One of the finest ever to play in red and white, we mourn the death of Stan Bowles," Brentford's message read "A great entertainer and character who put smiles on the faces of all who saw him play Our thoughts are with Stan's friends and family at this incredibly sad time."

Bowles suffered from Alzheimer's later in life, with former team-mate Don Shanks shedding light on the forward's experience when Bowles turned 70 in 2018. "He recognises me but he can't speak," Shanks said. "He just grabs hold of me. It is quite ­emotional, really. He doesn't know where he is ­anymore.

"It is the hardest day of my life to go up to Manchester and see Stan," he added. "It is tough. I am there maybe half an hour because I can't take any more – he looks at me... and I go. He was my best mate and we were pretty much ­inseparable. I see him now and it is heart-breaking."

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Tom Victor