The 2005-06 campaign was a season of unprecedented drama and ultimate glory for Hearts as The Jam Tarts spectacularly finished 2nd in the Scottish Premier League, decisively breaking the Old Firm's stranglehold on the top two for the first time in a decade and securing a coveted Champions League qualifying spot. The season began with a sensational bang, as they equaled a club record by winning their first eight league games, fueled by the electric debut form of new signing Rudi Skácel, who scored in his first seven matches and finished the league season with 16 goals. Despite extreme managerial turmoil that saw the club navigate the season with four different head coaches, the team, anchored by players like Craig Gordon and Paul Hartley, secured their league runner-up status and capped the unforgettable year by winning the Scottish Cup, defeating Gretna in a dramatic final penalty shootout. It was a turbulent yet triumphant chapter that remains a defining high point in the club's modern history.