The 1996–97 season was the 75th season of competitive association football and 68th season in the Football League played by York City Football Club, a professional football club based in York, North Yorkshire, England. They finished in 20th position in the 24-team 1996–97 Football League Second Division. They were eliminated from the 1996–97 FA Cup in the third round by Hednesford Town, from the 1996–97 League Cup in the third round by Leicester City, and from the 1996–97 Football League Trophy in the Northern section quarter-final by Carlisle United.