After last season's success of finishing in 6th position there was high hopes that it would signal a change in the club's fortunes.

[1] As the 1896–97 season beckoned there was a lot of talk of Stoke purchasing the football pitch at the cricket ground in the town, with a considerable amount of financial backing promised.

[1] During the campaign itself a total of 16 players made their senior debuts for the club including Zeke Johnston, Stoke's first Irishman signed from Burnley.

[1] Long serving forward Billy Dickson retired as did half-back Davy Brodie.

[1] After beating Glossop 5–2 in the first round Stoke lost 2–1 in the next to Preston North End.