During the 1996–97 English football season, Southend United F.C.
competed in the Football League First Division.
The 1996–97 season was a big struggle for Southend as they suffered relegation after finishing bottom of Division One.
Ronnie Whelan left the club and he openly admitted when he took the job he didn't know the first thing about being a manager.
Southend United's score comes first Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.