1896–97 Western Football League

Warmley were the Division One champions for the fourth time in five years, and also began competing in the Southern League during this season.

Eastville Wanderers won Division Two in only their second season in the league.

[1] At the end of this season the league was restructured, with a new Professional Section being formed, taking five clubs from Division One and three new clubs joining.

One new club joined Division One for this season, though the number of clubs was reduced from 12 to nine after Gloucester and Swindon Wanderers left, Cardiff were expelled and Mangotsfield were relegated to Division Two.

One new team joined Division Two this season, though the number of clubs was reduced from 11 to seven after Cumberland, Clifton Reserves, St George Reserves and Warmley Reserves left the league and Frenchay resigned.