Stan Bowles

Early career

Born in Collyhurst, Manchester, Lancashire, he began his career as an apprentice at Manchester City, scoring twice in each of his first two games. He was then left out of the side for the next game and reinstated for the following two games without scoring. Bowles was then kept out of the side following the arrival of Francis Lee. He played only one more game during the 1967–68 season, as City won the league title under manager Joe Mercer. He had off-field problems and was considered to have a lax attitude to training, Bowles then had a disagreement with coach Malcolm Allison in a Manchester nightclub. Subsequently, he only played one full League match during the 1968–69 season. He played for 11 more times in League and cup for City in his final season, the 1969–70 season, without scoring and was then released by City after a series of off-field incidents. After a brief and unsuccessful stay at Bury, he was signed by Ernie Tagg, manager of Crewe Alexandra, then in the Fourth Division. Signed by Tagg on a month's trial, Bowles agreed a two-year contract less than two weeks later; Bowles later said Tagg was a "father figure" who helped him rediscover his touch and appetite for the game. Tagg is often quoted in respect of Bowles' gambling problems; he used to give the player's wages direct to his wife, saying: "If he could pass a bookie's as well as he passes a football, he'd be a very rich man." Tagg managed a Crewe pub, The Vine. Stan Bowles said:

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Bowles made his international debut against Portugal in Lisbon in April 1974 in Alf Ramsey's last match in charge. He won five caps for England, all while playing for Queens Park Rangers (playing for three managers: Ramsey, Joe Mercer and Don Revie) and scored his only international goal in a 2–0 win over Wales at Ninian Park in 1974. He made his final England appearance in February 1977, in a friendly against the Netherlands at Wembley.

Bowles was a prolific gambler and ended his career with significant gambling debts. It is estimated that he lost an estimated £750,000 to gambling in the course of his career. Bowles' 1996 autobiography revealed the extent of his drinking, womanising and gambling during his playing days, and also helped to secure a role as a pundit on Sky Sports. He was also the life chairman of the Queens Park Rangers LSA (Loyal Supporters Association). A cult icon, a song bearing his name was released as a single by the group The Others. Bowles also wrote betting columns in the national press and a column in lads' mag Loaded, and also appeared on the after-dinner-speaker circuit. On 20 June 2015, Bowles was reported to be suffering from Alzheimer's disease. On 22 August, Queens Park Rangers honoured Bowles as he was presented to the crowd at Loftus Road before their game against Rotherham United. In July 2017, QPR arranged a testimonial game for Bowles, this time against AFC Bournemouth. Additionally, the club retired the number 10 for the season, the number worn by Bowles during his time with QPR. Bowles died on 24 February 2024, at the age of 75. He was survived by his second wife, Diane Bushell, and by children Andria, Carl and Tracy, from his first marriage, to Ann. Bowles was a cousin of footballer Paul Bowles (also a Crewe player, though Stan said he'd never met him).

Manchester City

Football League First Division: 1967–68 Queens Park Rangers

Bruges Matins: 1977 Nottingham Forest

European Cup: 1979–80 UEFA Super Cup: 1979 Individual

UEFA Cup Top Scorer: 1976–77 Brentford Supporters' Player of the Year: 1981–82