The 2011-12 campaign was a season of significant achievement for St Johnstone as the Saints clinched a brilliant 6th-place finish in the Scottish Premier League, securing a coveted spot in the Europa League second qualifying round. This European place was dramatically earned due to Scottish Cup winners Hearts finishing 5th in the table. Leading the charge was the clinical Spanish forward Francisco Sandaza, whose 15 league goals proved decisive for the team. The season was also marked by a significant managerial change, moving from Derek McInnes to new boss Steve Lomas, who successfully maintained the team's momentum and delivered a historic top-six finish and a memorable return to European competition for the Perth faithful.