GARY LINEKER has led tributes to Stan Bowles after it was announced the QPR legend has died aged 75 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Bowles was considered one of the biggest non-conformists of football in the 1970s.
And taking to X Lineker led the tributes to the Hoops icon.
The Match of the Day host said: “Sorry to hear that Stan Bowles has died. A delightful footballer and hugely charismatic man.
“Always loved watching him play. RIP Stan.”
Bowles played 315 times for QPR and scored 97 goals between 1972 and 1979.
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The club paid tribute to Bowles, saying: “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.”
Bowles became as well-known for his off-pitch antics as for his on-pitch ones, and once remarked: “Everywhere I went things seemed to end in chaos.
He added: “I blew the lot on vodka and tonic, gambling and fags.
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“Looking back, I think I overdid it on the tonic.”
QPR manager Marti Cifuentes paid tribute by dedicating the club’s 2-1 comeback win over Rotherham to Bowles.
One notable event during his career was Bowles agreeing a sponsorship deal with two boot companies before wearing one of each.
Bowles also played for Manchester City, Bury, Crewe, Carlisle, Nottingham Forest and Leyton Orient before he retired at Brentford in 1984.
The English Football League paid tribute by saying: “A wonderful player, a maverick, an icon and a @QPR legend.”
Carlisle said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of legend Stan Bowles. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
Brentford said: “One of the finest ever to play in red and white, we mourn the death of Stan Bowles
“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.”
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He appeared five times for the England national team, scoring once against Wales in 1974.
In recognition to him, QPR opened the Stanley Bowles stand in 2021.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
