The 1996-97 campaign was a season of deep frustration for Tottenham Hotspur as Spurs finished a disappointing 10th in the Premier League, their lowest league finish under manager Gerry Francis. Leading the line was the ever-reliable Teddy Sheringham, whose 7 league goals topped the scoring charts but were insufficient to mount a European challenge. The year was marked by early cup exits and chronic inconsistency, highlighted by a humiliating 7-1 defeat away to Newcastle United, a result that left the manager's future in serious doubt and remains a painful chapter for the White Hart Lane faithful.