Hibs narrowly avoided relegation from the Scottish Premier League during the 2011–12 season. To do this, the club signed several players on loan during the January 2012 transfer window, all of whom returned to their parent clubs at the end of the season. After the 5–1 defeat by Hearts in the 2012 Scottish Cup Final, the Hibs board of directors acknowledged the necessity of rebuilding the squad. Pat Fenlon attempted to strengthen the defence by signing goalkeeper Ben Williams and defenders James McPake and Tim Clancy.