24 February 2024 , 22:14
658
0
Stan Bowles was a legend of the game during a football career that saw him go down in Queens Park Rangers folklore, but Alzheimer's robbed the football star of his memory later in life.
Bowles died this Saturday at the age of 75, with his daughter Tracey confirming the news. QPR and a number of his other former clubs paid tribute, as did football figures including Gary Lineker.
A successor to Rodney Marsh at Loftus Road, Bowles helped QPR get within touching distance of a league title in the 1975-76 season. He was widely considered one of football's great entertainers, with comparisons made more recently with another great number 10, Argentina's Lionel Messi.
When he turned 70 in 2018, though, the extent of his condition was laid bare in an exclusive interview with Mirror Sport. Don Shanks was a team-mate of Bowles in West London and continued to pay regular visits to his friend and former colleague, while he ran the New York marathon at the age of 66 to help raise £30,000 for Bowles and the Alzheimer’s Society.
“He recognises me but he can’t speak. He just grabs hold of me. It is quite emotional, really," Shanks revealed. "He doesn’t know where he is anymore.
Mbappe misses two penalties and open goal in one minute before going off injured
“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.”
Reflecting on Bowles' career, Shanks made the Messi comparisons himself. “Stan was the main man years ago.” he said. “He was the Lionel Messi of his time – he was Stan the Man. He was unbelievable."
Describing Bowles as "a top man," he added: “He used to say to me, ‘Don, any time you get the ball, just give it to me. I don’t care who is around me. Just give it to me.'"
Share your tributes to Stan Bowles in the comments section
Stan Bowles earned legend status for himself at QPR (Mirrorpix)More than 250 of Bowles' senior games came in QPR colours. It was also during his time at the club that he won his five England caps, scoring his one and only international goal in a win away to Wales.
After leaving QPR in 1979, he spent a year at Nottingham Forest before rounding off his career back in London with Leyton Orient and then Brentford. A number of his former sides - including Manchester City, where he made his senior debut - have paid tribute.
"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."
Bowles won five senior England caps (PA)Following the news of Bowles' death, Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, said: “Our thoughts are with Stan Bowles’s family following the tragic news that he has died from Alzheimer’s disease.
"Stan was a hero and so many of us have great memories from his impressive career on the pitch. He will be greatly missed, and we send his family and those who loved him our sympathies. It’s absolutely devastating that Stan’s final years were ruled by Alzheimer’s disease, but unfortunately this is the case for many people in the UK today.
“At Alzheimer's Research UK, we are determined to change the ending for everyone affected by dementia-causing diseases by finding a cure. The awful news about Stan highlights that we don’t have a moment to waste.”
Folarin Balogun sends fresh Arsenal message and overtakes Kylian Mbappe
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our