Former England 'maverick' Bowles dies aged 75

Former England forward Stan Bowles died on Saturday aged 75 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease, his family announced.

Bowles was regarded as one of the most talented players in England in the 1970s, earning a reputation as a maverick with a penchant for living a colourful life off the pitch.

He started his career as an apprentice at Manchester City before moving to Crewe and then Carlisle.

Crewe manager Ernie Tagg summed up Bowles' flamboyant personality when he said: "If Stan could pass a betting shop like he can pass a football, he'd be a rich man."

Bowles was transformed by his move to QPR in 1972 and went on to make 315 league appearances, scoring 97 goals over seven seasons for the west London club.

He was a key figure in the QPR team which finished runners-up to Liverpool in the First Division in 1975-76.

But his 1996 autobiography revealed the extent of his drinking, womanising and gambling during his playing days, which eventually took a toll on his career

Bowles left QPR for a failed spell with Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest in 1979, which ended just a year later with a move to second tier Leyton Orient.

Despite his prodigious talent, Bowles won just five England caps, his only international goal coming against Wales in 1974.

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

"It is with a heavy heart we have learned that QPR icon Stan Bowles sadly passed away this evening (Saturday), aged 75," QPR said in a statement.

"All our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. May he rest in peace."