They competed in the 24-team Division Two, then the third tier of English league football, finishing seventh.
5 September 1996 marked the 100th anniversary of Blackpool's first match in the Football League.
Sam Allardyce was fired after failing to bring the club promotion the previous season.
He was replaced by the former Norwich City manager Gary Megson.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.