Gary Lineker has led an outpouring of tributes to Queens Park Rangers legend and former England forward Stan Bowles, who died on Saturday at the age of 75. Bowles, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, won five caps for the Three Lions and played over 560 games in English club football.
Bowles was best known for his time at QPR, where he made over 315 appearances and scored 97 goals between 1972 and 1979. He also spent time at Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and several lower-league clubs over the course of his professional career which spanned 18 years.
Lineker led the online tributes to Bowles with a heartfelt post on X, formerly Twitter, which read: “Sorry to hear that Stan Bowles has died. A delightful footballer and hugely charismatic man. Always loved watching him play. RIP Stan.”
In a statement, QPR said they were planning a ‘fitting tribute’ to Bowles, who they described as arguably the greatest player to ever represent the club. The west Londoners already have a stand at Loftus Road named after him, with the former Ellerslie Road stand being rebranded in his honour two years ago.
“All our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time,” read the statement. “May he rest in peace. The club will be confirming how we will be paying a fitting tribute to Stan in due course.
“A darling of the Loftus Road terraces, Stanley Bowles is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to have ever pulled on the famous blue and white hoops. Many would argue that he is the best.”
Former QPR, Chelsea and Newcastle forward Gavin Peacock said: “So saddened to hear of the death of Stan Bowles. A true QPR legend and entertainer. A special footballer and a humble guy who always took time for a chat in my playing days there. They don’t make ‘em like Stan anymore. My condolences to all family, friends and fans.”
Brentford, the club Bowles played for between 1981 and 1984, also paid tribute with a statement of their own: “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.”
Bowles became known as one of English football’s great entertainers and charismatic figures during his heyday in the 1970s. During his time at QPR, he was part of their side which finished as runners-up to Liverpool in the old First Division in 1976.
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