Troops could parade at top-flight football matches as part of plans for a national day dedicated to celebrating Britain's military, Gordon Brown has suggested.
The Prime Minister signalled that proposals were being drawn up for a "special day of celebration for the armed forces" that could include top sporting events.
He has not yet publicly stated his support for an armed forces day, a key recommendation of the soon-to-be-published review of civil and military relations by Labour MP Quentin Davies.
But in a letter to Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, seen by the Sunday Telegraph, Mr Brown said he was looking forward to discussing how clubs could "play their part".
He said a "parade of honour" at Aston Villa's ground last season by returning troops was "an excellent example of how football clubs and their fans can show their appreciation for the service of our Armed Forces.
"As we take forward our plans for a special day of celebration for the Armed Forces, I look forward to working with you to see how the Premier League can play its part," he went on.
Defence Secretary Des Browne said last month that such a dedicated day could be part of creating a "mechanism to help strengthen the bond" between the public and military.
Sources confirmed that the PM was interested in the way football clubs and other sporting bodies could play a role in such events, as they do in the US.
"The Prime Minister talks a lot about finding ways to recognise the armed forces' contribution more," he pointed out.
