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Phil Cresswell would always like to be considered as one of the lads.  From the Greek holidays, with 20 of his mates, to the plastering course and the beautiful young girl on his arm.  But beyond the Essex boy-racer facade, Phil hides a dark secret; at the weekend he is a cross dresser.

The news has split Canning Town Football Club in two as most of the members like their men to be men (and many can't handle change), however, a small minority were to rumoured to fancy the ladyboy.

Although 'Phyllis' has been harbouring his weekend secret from the club, some close friends and family have been aware of his/her feminine side for some time.  Phil's younger brother Nick has known for five years about those lipstick wearing tendencies but has had good reasons to not to uncover his lingerie moments.

"When we used to get up for school after Mum went to work, Phil would run straight to her room," declared the overweight defender.  "And while he was trying on her French knickers and applying mascara, I'd be downstairs scoffing my breakfast.  And his!"

The scandal emerged after Phil accidentally entered the ladies toilets (with a friend) at Time in Romford last week.  After taking 15 minutes, during which the conversation ranged from boyfriend bashing to the poor quality of underwear in Primark, Phil re-appeared with a full face of make up on.

Town have no plans to censure the youngster, whilst Phil's girlfriend Emma has vowed to stand by her man/woman.

"He can dress up as a woman or even look like Ross Thompson and it wouldn't matter," declared the 20 year old beauty.  "As long as he keeps performing in the bedroom, he's the man for me."

Contrary evidence that suggests Phil might have scored this year.

Phil himself has kept his cherry red lips tight since the news broke but did suggest that no-one seemed to mind when David Beckham wore a thong.

Before anyone else does, we would like to point out the obvious fact that Beckham can play football though.