During the 1996–97 English football season, Swindon Town F.C.
competed in the Football League First Division.
With Swindon's financial state getting more precarious, they could not afford to build a side which would be able to win promotion to the Premier League, with McMahon's only significant summer signing the underwhelming Gary Elkins from Wimbledon.
In 1996–97 season, Swindon held a mid-table position right up until the middle of March, but then scored just two goals in their last ten games – getting thumped 7–0 at Bolton, 5–1 at Oldham and 4–0 at Ipswich in the process – ending up in a disappointing 19th place.
Swindon Town's score comes first Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.