Stan the Man

Posted by admin • Categorized as Features,Football

Stan Bowles a legend on and off the pitch

Boy they don’t make footballers like that anymore.

Stan Bowles was quite simply a one of a kind. Famed for his antics both on and off a football pitch, Bowles was one of the most naturally gifted players of his generation.

His autobiography reveals legendary tales of boozing, gambling and womanizing in equal measure.

Ernie Tagg, who managed him at Crewe, used to give Stan’s wages directly to his wife and famously said: “If Stan could pass a betting shop like he can pass a football, he would be all right.”

Bowles was part of QPR’s most successful side of the 1970’s and just missed out on a first division title medal to Liverpool in 1977.

The Loftus Road faithful warmed to Bowles almost instantly and his wizardly skills on the pitch paved the way for international honours with England.

There is, unfortunately, not enough footage of Bowles in action, but we have managed to dig out this clip of him in action for QPR against Tottenham. Enjoy!

Tagged as: liverpool, Loftus Road, qpr, rangers, Stan Bowles, tottenham

2 Comments

1. 

   Tel Curie

   June 26, 2009 • 6:59 pm

   I was lucky enough to see Stan Bowles play tons of times for Rangers and Brentford but too young to see Rodney Marsh. I know most people think Stan was far the better player….. but was there REALLY that much difference? has anyone seen them both on a regular basis?
2. 

   Heaven Sports AJ

   June 28, 2009 • 11:43 am

   Unfortunately I never saw either play live, but I have witnessed footage of the pair running rings around the opposition. Having spoke to various QPR supporters it does seem that Bowles was the more popular as he was part of Rangers’ greatest ever side that so nearly won the title, while Marsh’s QPR career was predominantly outside of the top flight (except from the 68/69 season).

   Both were tremendous players though and really should have gone on and won more England caps.

Leave a Response