Dundee United full-back Sean Dillon hopes the incentive of playing in Europe can help keep their triumphant Active Nation Scottish Cup team together.
United will lose skipper Andy Webster following the end of his loan spell from Rangers and the turbulent financial situation surrounding Scottish football since the demise of Setanta - exacerbated the effects of the recession - could force the club to sell some of their most-prized assets.
But Irishman Dillon sees many reasons for United to continue to attract good players, and said: "We've got Europe to look forward to next year. I'm sure, if somebody decides to leave, you have to wish them well and hopefully we will get some decent players coming in because of the European situation."
He added: "I'm not going to say we are going to win the cup next year, I can't say we are going to do anything.
"It's going to be tough to match what we have done this year. I can't remember the last time a team finished third two years on the bounce.
"We know we have a lot to aspire to next year. Whether we did well or not this year, guys would be leaving at the end of the season, whether for the right reasons or the wrong reasons.
United also have to secure their managerial position with Peter Houston due to meet chairman Stephen Thompson in the coming days to iron out his future.
Dillon, 26, said: "I'm not going to speak on the manager's behalf. I can only say how well he has done. He has just done such a good job, finishing third with a few games to spare.
"There was a lot of talk about the performances and results in the last few games but he had us right, he made sure things were right and in place for the cup final."
Source: PA
