Manchester City 1997 – Home

The 1997 season was a challenging and pivotal period in the history of Manchester City, a time marked by instability and disappointment, rather than the successes the club is known for today.

During the 1996-1997 season, Manchester City played in the English Football League First Division, the second tier of English football, following their relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 1995-1996 season. The club faced significant struggles both on and off the pitch, with managerial changes and financial issues adding to their woes.

The team started the season under the management of Alan Ball, but he was dismissed towards the end of the 1996-1997 campaign after a series of poor results. Frank Clark took over as manager, but he was unable to significantly turn around the team's fortunes. City finished the season in 14th place, a disappointing result given their hopes of making an immediate return to the Premier League. This position reflected a period of instability and underperformance for the club.

The 1997 season for Manchester City was a far cry from the success they would experience in later years. It was a time of struggle and rebuilding, laying some of the groundwork for the transformation that would begin in the early 2000s. The challenges faced during this period are often looked back on as a stark contrast to the club's later achievements and status as a powerhouse in both English and European football.