The Football League 1996-97

Statistics of The Football League in season 1996/1997.

Overview

First Division

Bolton Wanderers returned to the Premiership in superb fashion, hitting 100 goals and taking 98 points. Barnsley were promoted to the top flight for the first time in their history, while Crystal Palace returned after a two-year absence by winning the play-offs.

The decline of Oldham Athletic continued, falling into the third tier for the first time in 23 years, and just three years after being in the Premiership. Grimsby Town and Southend United joined them in relegation to Division Two.

econd Division

Bury won their second consecutive promotion, taking the Division Two title, Stockport County joined them in automatic promotion, and play-off winners Crewe Alexandra completed the trio moving up.

Going down were Peterborough United, Shrewsbury Town, Rotherham United and Notts County. County had been in the top division just five years earlier.

Third Division

Wigan Athletic won the Division Three title on goal difference from Fulham. Carlisle United and play-off winners Northampton Town also won promotion to Division Two.

Hereford United were the first club for four years to be relegated to the Conference after finishing bottom. Conference champions Macclesfield Town replaced Hereford (two years after Town had been denied entry to Division Three). In December, Brighton & Hove Albion were 11 points adrift at the bottom of Division Three, having had 2 points deducted for a pitch invasion. However a draw in their final game at Hereford kept Brighton in the league, and sent United down.

League Standings

First Division

See also: Play-off results

NB In the Football League goals scored (F) takes precedence over goal difference

* - Brighton & Hove Albion 2 points deducted for failure to control spectators

ee also

*1996-97 in English football

References