Capturing the essence of football

For the past 20 years, photographer Stuart Roy Clarke has been watching fans and footballers through a camera lens.

Arsenal at Wimbledon Plough Lane "Flaking Out" Photograph: Stuart Roy Clarke/Homes of Football

In his book, The Cradle of the Game, more than 180 photographs are displayed.

East Stirling, "Support Behind The Goal" Photograph: Stuart Roy Clarke/Homes of Football

Clarke's photographs document the culture of the game. One of his aims is to record and preserve its heritage.

Fulham, "That Old Dressing Down" Photograph: Stuart Roy Clarke/Homes of Football

To Clarke, the supporters are the most important part of the game.

Barnsley, "Father & Son Up Oakwell" Photograph: Stuart Roy Clarke/Homes of Football

Queen Of The South, "A Gathering Most Young" Photograph: Stuart Roy Clarke/Homes of Football

Millwall, "History In Snow White" Photograph: Stuart Roy Clarke/Homes of Football

Brighton & Hove Albion at Middlesbrough, "The Lengths An Albion Fan Will Go To" Photograph: Stuart Roy Clarke/Homes of Football

Arsenal, "Get Saddam Cafe" Photograph: Stuart Roy Clarke/Homes of Football

Swindon Town, "The Picnic Around The County" Photograph: Stuart Roy Clarke/Homes of Football

Sunderland v Newcastle United, "Hands Across The Rivalry" Photograph: Stuart Roy Clarke/Homes of Football

Manchester City, "With Bugs Bunny" Photograph: Stuart Roy Clarke/Homes of Football

Everton, "Tea & Curlers" Photograph: Stuart Roy Clarke/Homes of Football

Manchester United at Manchester City, "Perilous Days Celebrated" Photograph: Stuart Roy Clarke/Homes of Football

Sunderland, "Preparing For A Feast" Photograph: Stuart Roy Clarke/Homes of Football

The Cradle of the Game is self-published by Stuart Roy Clarke at £29. More information on Clarke's Homes of Football site

FC United at Colwyn Bay, 'Family On The Hill" Photograph: Stuart Roy Clarke/Homes of Football