In the league for 1996–97 their return season to the Southern League Premier Division (now with the sponsor Dr Martens) was disappointing. With a finishing position of 19th the club was only saved from relegation by the resignation of Sudbury Town. This precipitated the end of Neil Cugley's seven year managerial reign (he moved on to Folkestone) and he was replaced by Nigel Donn who had joined the playing staff the previous season from Dover Athletic. The results for the 1997–98 campaign did not improve and relegation couldn't be evaded as 21st place saw the Town return to the Southern Division.