QPR and Manchester City football legend Stan Bowles has passed away at the age of 75 following a long battle with Alzheimer's.
Bowles was known for his exceptional talent on the field and was diagnosed with the disease back in 2015.
Meanwhile, his former club QPR organized a testimonial match in 2017 to raise funds to support him in his fight against the disease.
Unfortunately, Bowles' condition worsened and he moved into full-time care in 2020.
Following his painful demise, tributes poured in for the charismatic player, with many people remembering him for both his personality and his football skills.
His former club QPR, confirmed his passing in a statement on their website and swore to continually pay him tribute in due time.
The club's statement read: ''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."
Gary Lineker also 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."
The English Football League mentioned him as a "wonderful player, a maverick, an icon, and a QPR legend".
Starting with Manchester City, Bowles had spells at Bury, Crewe Alexandra, and Carlisle before making a big switch to QPR.
He joined QPR from Carlisle United for £110,000 in 1972 and played 255 times for the Hoops, scoring 70 goals.
During his time at QPR, he wore the fabled No 10 shirt, and despite comparisons to star Rodney Marsh, he was voted the club's greatest player of all time in a 2004 fans poll.
While at QPR, Bowles was part of the 1975-76 team that finished as runners-up to Liverpool in the old First Division under Dave Sexton, although he never won a trophy during his career.
In 1979, his time at the club ended when he had a falling out with new boss Tommy Docherty and as a result, he was forced to train with the reserves for six months.
After leaving the club, he continued his career with Nottingham Forest, Leyton Orient, and Brentford before retiring in 1984.
Bowles played five times for England, scoring once, and his first appearance was in Sir Alf Ramsey's final match in charge against Portugal in April 1974.
Bowles' chaotic lifestyle was exemplified by his agreement to sponsorship deals with two different boot companies for the same match, resulting in him wearing one boot from each company.
However, not only was he involved in controversies on the pitch, but there was also a revelation by Shanks that the pair once spent a night in jail after being mistaken for bank robbers.
He was also notorious for his drinking and gambling habits, famously admitting, 'I blew the lot on vodka and tonic, gambling and fags. Looking back, I think I overdid it on the tonic.'
Known as one of the great mavericks of '70s football, Bowles has a stand named after him at Loftus Road.
Along with others, we join in mourning the loss of the football legend Bowles. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Bowles was known for his exceptional talent on the field and was diagnosed with the disease back in 2015.
Meanwhile, his former club QPR organized a testimonial match in 2017 to raise funds to support him in his fight against the disease.
Unfortunately, Bowles' condition worsened and he moved into full-time care in 2020.
Following his painful demise, tributes poured in for the charismatic player, with many people remembering him for both his personality and his football skills.
His former club QPR, confirmed his passing in a statement on their website and swore to continually pay him tribute in due time.
The club's statement read: ''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."
Gary Lineker also 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."
The English Football League mentioned him as a "wonderful player, a maverick, an icon, and a QPR legend".
Stan Bowles's football career
Starting with Manchester City, Bowles had spells at Bury, Crewe Alexandra, and Carlisle before making a big switch to QPR.
He joined QPR from Carlisle United for £110,000 in 1972 and played 255 times for the Hoops, scoring 70 goals.
During his time at QPR, he wore the fabled No 10 shirt, and despite comparisons to star Rodney Marsh, he was voted the club's greatest player of all time in a 2004 fans poll.
While at QPR, Bowles was part of the 1975-76 team that finished as runners-up to Liverpool in the old First Division under Dave Sexton, although he never won a trophy during his career.
In 1979, his time at the club ended when he had a falling out with new boss Tommy Docherty and as a result, he was forced to train with the reserves for six months.
After leaving the club, he continued his career with Nottingham Forest, Leyton Orient, and Brentford before retiring in 1984.
Bowles played five times for England, scoring once, and his first appearance was in Sir Alf Ramsey's final match in charge against Portugal in April 1974.
Bowles' chaotic lifestyle
Bowles' chaotic lifestyle was exemplified by his agreement to sponsorship deals with two different boot companies for the same match, resulting in him wearing one boot from each company.
However, not only was he involved in controversies on the pitch, but there was also a revelation by Shanks that the pair once spent a night in jail after being mistaken for bank robbers.
He was also notorious for his drinking and gambling habits, famously admitting, 'I blew the lot on vodka and tonic, gambling and fags. Looking back, I think I overdid it on the tonic.'
Known as one of the great mavericks of '70s football, Bowles has a stand named after him at Loftus Road.
Along with others, we join in mourning the loss of the football legend Bowles. May his gentle soul rest in peace.