Stan Bowles, the legendary figure who graced the football fields for QPR and Manchester City, breathed his last at the age of 75 after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Bowles, celebrated for his maverick playing style and considered one of England’s finest talents, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015.
QPR Confirms Stan Bowles’ Passing in Heartfelt Statement
In an official statement on the QPR website, the club confirmed the sad news, expressing their deep sorrow over the loss of the iconic player.
The statement conveyed condolences to Bowles’ family and friends, acknowledging the immense impact he had on the football community.
Plans for a fitting tribute to Stan will be unveiled by the club.
Former Teammate Describes Heartbreaking Struggle with Alzheimer’s
Don Shanks, a former teammate of Bowles, opened up about the heartbreaking reality of Bowles’ battle with Alzheimer’s.
Shanks revealed the challenges of interacting with Bowles, stating, “There is very little communication. There are no sentences.
It is mono-syllabic.” He emphasized the profound impact Alzheimer’s had on both Bowles and his family, describing it as a soul-destroying experience.
Bowles’ Illustrious Football Career and QPR Legacy
Stan Bowles made an indelible mark during his playing career, particularly with QPR, where he played 255 matches and scored 70 goals.
Known for his maverick approach on the field, Bowles became the embodiment of QPR’s No. 10 shirt, earning the title of the club’s greatest player in a 2004 fan poll.
Although he never secured a trophy, Bowles contributed to the 1975-76 team that finished as runners-up to Liverpool in the old First Division.
End of an Era: Bowles’ Exit from QPR and Subsequent Career
Bowles’ time at QPR concluded in 1979 amid a fallout with new manager Tommy Docherty.
His departure followed a memorable exchange where Bowles, expressing his lack of trust, famously said, “I’d rather trust my chickens with Colonel Sanders.”
Despite his departure from QPR, Bowles continued his career with stints at Nottingham Forest, Leyton Orient, and Brentford, retiring from professional football in 1984.
Beyond the Pitch: Bowles’ Off-Field Controversies and Candid Quotes
Off the pitch, Bowles was no stranger to controversies, including a night spent in jail with Don Shanks after being mistaken for bank robbers.
Known for his indulgence in drinking and gambling, Bowles once humorously confessed, “I blew the lot on vodka and tonic, gambling and fags. Looking back, I think I overdid it on the tonic.”
A Life Beyond Football: Bowles’ International Appearances and Personal Challenges
Bowles represented England five times, scoring once, with his first appearance in Sir Alf Ramsey’s final match against Portugal in 1974.
His international career was accompanied by personal challenges, and Bowles’ post-football life was marked by his brave fight against Alzheimer’s, a battle that eventually claimed the football legend at the age of 75.