AFC Bournemouth’s club snapper has become the first transgender woman in the Premier League.
Twice married, dad-of-three Steve Cook had been matchday photographer of the south coast club for three years.
But the former RAF technician, 48, is now raven-haired Sophie after shedding five stone and 12 inches off her waist.
Brave Sophie - who used to fix the engines on Tornado jets – said she’s relieved she has got the backing of the players and fans.
She said: "Living with the burden any longer would have killed me.
"So it was time to be true to myself.
"I couldn't keep living in the shadows.
"I had to tell the guys.
"I was living in Brighton and had hair extensions.
"It wasn't as if I could go back to Bournemouth, take my wig off and pretend I was still Steve.
"I was Sophie."
She added: "The assistant manager called the players together and said: 'You'll probably notice our photographer has changed a little from last season, lost a bit of weight, and grown her hair out a bit. I'd like you all to meet Sophie.'
"I had no idea how they would react but suddenly the captain started clapping and the rest of the boys joined in.
"I haven't looked back. It feels amazing."
She said she's had some sick comments walking down the street but is happy she's been accepted in such a masculine sport. She added: "For a transgender woman to walk out on a football pitch on a packed-out match day for a Premier League football club is a massive deal.
"Some of my friends feared all sorts of chants or abuse shouted at me.
"It hasn't been like that at all though and I've been totally accepted by the players and fans and I am so grateful to finally just be me."
AFC Bournemouth have had a meteoric rise with four promotions from League Two in just six years. They are five points above the relegation places at the half way point of an injury ravaged season. But they’ve recorded impressive wins away against Chelsea and at home to Manchester United.
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