Premier Division 9th League Cup QF Lowest home attendance 7332 | Scottish Cup R4 Highest home attendance 15749 | |
Manager Alex Miller (until 30 September)Jocky Scott (30 September – 30 December)Jim Duffy (from 30 December) | ||
Season 1996–97 was difficult for Hibs, as the club finished ninth in the Premier Division and only avoided relegation to the First Division by winning a playoff against Airdrie. There was also disappointment in the cup competitions, as the club were beaten by Celtic in the Scottish Cup, and Rangers in the League Cup. Manager Alex Miller was sacked in late September and replaced temporarily by Jocky Scott, before Jim Duffy took charge.
Contents
Final table
Source: Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored
(C) = Champion; (R) = Relegated; (P) = Promoted; (E) = Eliminated; (O) = Play-off winner; (A) = Advances to a further round.
Only applicable when the season is not finished:
(Q) = Qualified to the phase of tournament indicated; (TQ) = Qualified to tournament, but not yet to the particular phase indicated; (RQ) = Qualified to the relegation tournament indicated; (DQ) = Disqualified from tournament.
Play-offs
Having finished ninth in the Scottish Premier Division, Hibs then had to contest a relegation / promotion play-off with Airdrie, who had finished second in the 1996–97 Scottish First Division. Hibs won 1–0 at Easter Road and 4–2 at Broadwood Stadium to retain their place in the Premier Division, with a 5–2 aggregate victory.
Scottish League Cup
Hibs reached the quarter finals thanks to two wins against lower division opposition, but then lost 4–0 to eventual winners Rangers.
Scottish Cup
Hibs defeated Aberdeen after a penalty shootout in third round, but then lost in a fourth round replay to Celtic.