Photo by jkoppee

If you live in the United States, I’d like to take this time to wish you and your family a Happy Independence Day today. Hopefully you’re looking forward to a great day with your friends and/or family accompanied by good food and good drink that ends with a wonderful firework display.

As well as celebrating the day when the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, today marks a few important milestones for fans of Premier League clubs:

  • Premier League clubs returned to training today all across England,
  • There’s only 40 days to go until the 2011-12 Premier League season kicks off,
  • The first preseason friendly of the summer featuring a Premier League club kicks off one week from tomorrow when West Bromwich Albion plays San Jose in California (see the complete schedule here).

Have a wonderful Fourth of July!