'A footballing icon': Former England and QPR forward Stan Bowles dies

The former England and Queens Park Rangers forward Stan Bowles has died at the age of 75.

Stan Bowles played for England five times. Pic: PA

“Sad to be writing this but dad has passed away,” his daughter Tracey Bowles wrote on Facebook on Saturday.

“He was with all the family and went peacefully.”

Bowles, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2015, began his professional career at Manchester City before playing for Queens Park Rangers, Nottingham Forest and Brentford, among others.

Stan Bowles, left, playing for QPR against Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1979. Pic: PA

The forward played for England five times and scored his only international goal against Wales at Ninian Park stadium in Cardiff in 1974.

He spent much of his club career at QPR, scoring 97 goals as he made 315 appearance for the side between 1972 and 1979.

The forward was also part of the QPR side that finished runners-up to Liverpool in the old First Division in 1976.

The London-based club paid tribute to Bowles as “arguably the greatest to have ever worn our famous blue and white hoops”.

The club’s statement reads: “It is with a heavy heart we have learned that QPR legend Stan Bowles has passed away. A footballing icon… All our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Regarded as one of England’s top talents as well as a maverick, Bowles moved to Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough in 1979, but just a year later joined Leyton Orient in the Second Division.

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Bowles wound down his playing career back in west London with Brentford and retired in 1984.

Upon being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Bowles moved back to Manchester to be cared for by his eldest daughter, Andria.

In 2017, QPR hosted a benefit match in Bowles’ honour, playing against Bournemouth to help raise funds for his continuing care.