The amount of tributes on this thread from non hoop supporters says it all ! I don't need to add any more words than have already been said. One of the saddest days in our history, the king of Loftus Road has departed. It doesn't matter who's played since he left, and who'll play in the future, no one can ever fill his shoes. Goodnight maestro, and sleep well, pain free. RIP The Greatest
I'm in the same boat, a few years behind you...and I can't help but read this thread wondering if any of the QPR 'legends' I've grown up watching be spoken about so highly when they pass? Quite incredible.
The comments made in the unmistakable country burr of Mick Channon are absolutely what football should be and why Stan epitomises that.
Would like to add a massive ‘thank you’ to Stan’s family for looking after him through those troubled years, I know it’s family but a tremendous task too. Thank you all. Also a huge tribute and thanks to Don Shanks who was always around for his ‘mucker’ both emotionally supporting him and also in raising funds to help care for ‘our’ Stan. Incredible devotion, love and friendship. Thanks Don You will all always be welcome to HQ and deservedly so.
RIP Stan! I was so privileged to see him play live from 75 to 79. Best player I've seen live and the greatest entertainer. Not had too many heroes but Stan certainly was.
A poignant clip in an article about Stan in The Sunday Times today. By 2015, when Stan was rolled out for honours before the Loftus Road crowd, he was already lost to dementia. Yet, as soon as his feet were on the turf, his friend Don Shanks noticed his demeanour change. "When Stan walked out at Loftus Road that day," he said, "he knew exactly where he was. And, in that moment, he knew exactly who he was, too." Terry Venables rated Stan as one of the greatest players he had ever seen. Yet, before his illness, Stan could be seen walking down South Africa Road for each QPR home match, chatting to fans, devoid of vanity, and totally loyal to our club where he had his finest years.
I think players will be spoken of and remembered fondly but I can't see anyone reaching the same level of deserved adoration. It might be as much to do with that distance between the modern footballer and the fans, you just dont get the same kind of bond theses days.
I was at this game with about 10 of us on the terraces and about 30 in the seats. Grand National day as well. 03 Apr 1976 Newcastle United v Queens Park Rangers 1-2 League Division One. Think this was when Stanley does the below to macdonald after he scored a late winner. Meet Stanley a few times and he always had time for you. RIP Stanley Bowles.
I'm sure that people have already started laying tributes at the ground. Perhaps we could do something from us on here?
He was such a top fella. Had the privilege of playing with him in a six-a-side tournament in the mid 90s. He turned up hungover, with a battered pair of Dunlop Greenflash in a Tesco carrier bag. Asked me to be his minder on the pitch; "Don't let any bastard start kicking me up in the air.". This was my childhood hero, so what an honour! But it turned out I wasn't required as no-one could get near him anyway. The ball just seemed stuck to his foot. He was absolutely sensational even at that age. He hung around with us all for a drink after, telling us some blinding stories. RIP Stanley and thanks for the memories on and off the pitch.
lived in bayswater mid 70s and we would take in a game every other week..just for the pure love for the game, and if city were out reach loftus road would be our place of choice where we would stand entranced by stan,wonderful days and wondeful memories, god bless mate
https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2024/0224/1434244-legendary-qpr-striker-stan-bowles-dies-aged-75/ Even RTE have an article on him. RIP Stan,
