in the league – the top seventeen teams from the previous season and the three teams promoted from the First Division. The promoted teams were Sunderland, Derby County (both teams returning to the top flight after a five-year absence) and Leicester City (immediately returning to the top flight after a season's absence). This was also both Sunderland and Derby County's first season in the Premier League. They replaced Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers and Bolton Wanderers, ending their top flight spells of seven, thirteen and one year respectively. Stadiums and locations Personnel and kits (as of 11 May 1997) Managerial changes League table Results Season statistics Scoring Top scorers Hat-tricks Note: 4 Player scored 4 goals; L Player finished on the losing side; (H) – Home; (A) – Away Top assists Awards Monthly awards Annual awards See also 1996–97 in English football Notes References External links 1996–97 Premier League Season at RSSSF Premier League seasons Eng 1996–97 in English football leagues