The 1996–97 season was the 26th in the history of Essex Senior Football League a football competition in England.
The league featured 13 clubs which competed in the league last season, along with two new clubs: Ilford, returned to the league system after leaving the Spartan League in 1994 Saffron Walden Town, resigned from the Isthmian League
Ford United were champions, winning their second Essex Senior League title and were promoted to the Isthmian League.
League table
References