1996–97 Reading F.C. season

During the 1996–97 English football season, Reading F.C. competed in the Football League First Division.

Season summary
The 1996–97 season was another struggle for Reading, but they managed to secure survival on 12 April 1997, after beating promotion-chasing Wolves 2–1 at Elm Park.

Appearances and goals

 * colspan="14"|Players away on loan:
 * colspan="14"|Players who appeared for Reading but left during the season:
 * colspan="14"|Players who appeared for Reading but left during the season:
 * colspan="14"|Players who appeared for Reading but left during the season:


 * }