During the 1996–97 English football season, Notts County F.C.
competed in the Football League Second Division.
In the 1996–97 season, it was a disaster for Murphy and the club, with a series of heavy defeats that eventually led to his sacking on 23 December 1996.
On 16 January 1997, Sam Allardyce made his return to football as manager but he arrived too late to save them from relegation.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.