Stan Bowles: Carlisle United and QPR legend dies at 75

The hugely talented maverick player was 75.

The news was announced by his daughter Tracey in a Facebook post on Saturday evening.

“Sad to be writing this but dad has passed away," wrote Tracey Bowles. “He was with all the family and went peacefully. God bless you Stanley.”

Queens Park Rangers, the club where Bowles became a legend after joining from Carlisle, also confirmed the sad news.

Stan Bowles in action for Carlisle against Tottenham in 1972 (Image: News & Star)

"It is with a heavy heart we have learned that QPR legend Stan Bowles has passed away," the London club said.

"A footballing icon and arguably the greatest to have ever worn our famous blue and white hoops.

"All our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. RIP, Stan. Forever R’s."

Stan Bowles at Brunton Park (Image: News & Star)

Bowles had suffered from Alzheimer's Disease in recent years.

The creative player, whose skill was touched by genius, lit up Brunton Park between 1971 and 1972.

He joined Carlisle from Crewe Alexandra and starred for Ian MacFarlane's United side in Division Two.

The Greater Manchester-born player flourished at United, scoring 12 goals in 33 appearances and turning in a series of memorable performances.

Among them was a 3-0 win over table-topping Norwich City when Bowles fired a stunning hat-trick at Brunton Park.

He was also part of the United side that stunned Italian giants AS Roma with a 3-2 victory in the Stadio Olimpico in 1972.

Bowles famously infuriated the home side by performing keepy-uppies on the halfway line as Carlisle earned one of the most famous results in their history.

Stan Bowles pictured at Brunton Park in 2003 (Image: News & Star)

He joined QPR in 1972 and spent the next seven years at Loftus Road, his displays seeing Bowles voted the club's greatest ever player. He recently had a stand named after him at the Rs' ground.

He also played for Nottingham Forest, Leyton Orient and Brentford, while he won five England caps, scoring once for the Three Lions.

Carlisle United joined his former clubs in paying tribute on Saturday night, posting on social media: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of legend Stan Bowles. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

And former owner, and current chairman emeritus, Andrew Jenkins, offered a further tribute on the club's behalf. He said: "Stan was a great character. He had a great time here at Brunton Park. 

"As soon as you saw him play you knew he was going to be a fantastic signing. He did so well for us that he got noticed by QPR and went on to have a great career with them. 

"David Dent was secretary at the time and we both have great memories of him as a player and as a person.

"This is really sad news and we pass our best wishes onto his family and friends from everyone at the club." 

Carlisle's supporters' trust CUOSC also paid tribute, writing: "The thoughts of all at CUOSC, and the wider Carlisle support, are with both the family and friends of Stan Bowles, and all at QPR."