Gary Lineker led the social media tributes to the late Stan Bowles following news of his death at the age of 75.
The sad news was confirmed by his club, QPR, with Bowles remembered by many as a maverick No.10 who led a colorful life both on and off the pitch.
As well as representing QPR, Brentford and Manchester City at club level, he also made five appearances for England, but his unusual style made national managers reluctant to use him on the biggest stages.
Lineker posted on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Sorry to hear that Stan Bowles has passed away. A wonderful footballer and an extremely charismatic man. I always enjoyed watching him play. RIP Stan.”
Bowles’ former West London clubs QPR and Brentford both posted their own tributes to their former player.
QPR legend Stan Bowles, one of the game’s greatest characters, has died aged 75
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QPR, where the star played from 1972 to 1979, wrote: ‘Stan Bowles. Gone, but never, never forgotten. The ultimate Loft legend.’
In December 2021, QPR announced that the Ellerslie Road Stand at their Loftus Road Stadium would be renamed in honor of Bowles – and the stand can be seen in a video attached to the tweet.
He also formed bonds with newcomers to the QPR family, including Trevor Sinclair, who posted his own tribute on social media.
Sinclair wrote: ‘Really sad to hear that the great entertainer “Stan Bowles” has passed away. I know he had been unwell for a while but I prefer to think of the times he took me under his wing and to the West End in the early 90s, absolute QPR legend.”
Bowles ended his professional career at Brentford, with two spells between 1981 and 1984.
The Bees’ tribute read: ‘One of the greatest to ever play in red and white, we mourn the death of Stan Bowles.
‘A great entertainer and character who brought a smile to the faces of everyone who saw him play.
“Our thoughts are with Stan’s friends and family at this incredibly sad time.”
The England national team wrote: ‘Rest in peace, Stan Bowles.
‘Stan played five times for England and scored for the #ThreeLions in a 2-0 win over Wales at Ninian Park in 1974.’
Bowles made his debut against Portugal in April 1974, Sir Alf Ramsey’s last game in charge of the England national team.
Mail Sport columnist Jeff Powell remembers the ultimate maverick No.10, who dazzled on the pitch and made a lasting impression on young journalists at QPR with his unorthodox approach to games.
Bowles played five times for England and made his international debut against Portugal in 1974
Bowles was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2015 and entered full-time care in 2020
Meanwhile, a story from the player’s autobiography is fondly remembered for the hilarity that ensued when he wore two different boots during a match.
Bowles had a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease later in life, after being diagnosed with the neurological disease in 2015.
He moved into full-time care in 2020 after living in Manchester with his daughter Andrea.