Alzheimer’s might have robbed Stan Bowles of his memories on the pitch. But the soccer fraternity is reminiscing quite well, the capabilities of the ‘maverick’ soccer star. The former England international & Manchester City star passed away on Saturday, with his daughter breaking the news. Having scored more than 70 goals for QPR, guiding the club to a runners-up finish in the 1975-76 season, a point behind Liverpool and three clear of Manchester United was one of his finest works.

Upon his arrival at QPR, Bowles had the herculean task of replacing fan-favorite Rodney Marsh and inherited the No. 10 shirt. A number that suited his playstyle, Stan Bowles was an entertainer, someone who played without fear. Possibly, QPR’s best player during the 1970s, his way of life evoked disbelief, especially considering his career as an elite athlete. The genius and mischievous sporting mind enjoyed himself, off the pitch too.

As per DailyMail, Bowles would start the day with a pack of cigarettes, loved himself a bet or two, and was a late arrival to the manager’s team talks. However, it was a different world as he stepped onto the pitch, where he would be greeted with roars of acclaim from the fans.

The daringness is what made Stan Bowles, the showman & character in the minds of many. But, it also cost him a spot on the national side. It’s hard to imagine that a player with 127 career goals in that era, managed just 5 caps for England. Managers like Alf Ramsey and Don Revie were quite demanding professionally, and this didn’t help Bowles.

Stan Bowles, who made his debut with Manchester City, also had spells with Brentford & Nottingham Forest. He retired from the beautiful game in 1984 and later was a pundit at Sky Sports, where interestingly, he was again the replacement for Rodney Marsh. He was voted QPR’s greatest-ever player in a poll in 2004. 11 years later, in 2015 Bowles was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and it has been a battle ever since until now. An embodiment of the art in soccer, his passing has left fans and clubs, whom he enthralled, in deep mourning.

The soccer fraternity pays respect to the maestro of the 1970s, Stan Bowles

The England National Team on X paid tribute to the star with the caption, “Rest in peace, Stan Bowles”, while highlighting a moment when he scored for the country in 1974.

Defending English Premier League champions Manchester City, whom Bowles played for between 1967-70, paid their respects as well.

One fan labeled him an ‘all-time hero‘ and added that he should have far more caps to his name.

Another fan reckoned that Stan Bowles is among the best players he has ever seen!

One fan remarked that he attended the match against Wales, where Bowles scored his only national team goal. Per him, Bowles along with players like Alan Hudson, and Tony Currie, could do things that are beyond other players.

Likewise, Queen Park Rangers also paid tribute to their ‘greatest ever‘.

A QPR fan added that players like Bowles who combined flair and hard work simply don’t exist anymore.

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One supporter seems pleased that the Ellerslie Road Stand has been named after him as the The Stanley Bowles Stand.

A supporter who had the pleasure of meeting Bowles praised him as a wonderful person while appreciating his soccer skills.

2024, just 2 months in has already devastated the soccer world following the loss of Franz Beckenbauer & Mario Zagallo. We continue to mourn the loss of one of soccer’s last great entertainers.

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