Gutted Jack Ross admits the current crop of Hibs talent may not be with him next season to take another tilt at the Scottish Cup.
The beaten finalists ended the campaign on a sour note with defeat to St Johnstone but have impressed in the Premiership this season with a third place finish.
That has sparked transfer talk around the likes of Ryan Porteous, Josh Doig and Kevin Nisbet ahead of the summer window.
With European football on the horizon, Ross admits he would love to keep his side together for another season.
However, he admits some of his player may not be back at Hampden in a Hibs jersey or be around for a shot at European football next term.
Ross told Premier Sports: "I think what the players have achieved today has been outstanding. I don't think that can be taken away by what has happened today. Once that soreness subsides they will reflect on an outstanding season.
"I want them to keep coming back here as Hibs players, and if their individual pathway takes them elsewhere I want them to come back here individually and win it. That will come for them, they are a good group.
"There is an element of that comes outwith my direct control. Naturally as a manager I would say keep them all because of what they've given me, but there may be factors outwith my control in that respect. If it's the case I need to build it again then that's what I'll do. That's my job.
"We have a group that could deliver consistent success for us but we will deal with that puzzle when we come to it."
On the pitch, Ross didn't believe their was much between his men and Callum Davidson 's Double winners.
He added: "I'm devastated for my players.
"Naturally, when you build that relationship and they are a group I am immensely proud to put my name to, when they don't get the success of winning today I feel for them. It's not really about me, it's my job to try and deliver success for them.
"It's a sore dressing room in there, they put so much into the game. I don't think I could have asked for any more desire, heart and commitment into it.
"In the first half we probably have the clearest opportunity, and that's the fine moments we spoke about pre-match. In the second half we had to do things a little bit quicker and braver.
"I don't think there is a huge amount between the two, but the fine margins didn't go our way and in the final third we were maybe not as incisive today."
