Derek McInnes’ side looked for much of the season like they were ready to topple Celtic from Scottish football’s summit.
But a number of disappointing results allowed Ronny Deila’s stuttering side to push clear and seal their fifth Ladbrokes Premiership on the bounce.
But Hayes rejected suggestions the Pittodrie men will come to view this season as an opportunity missed after being forced to settle for second place.
Asked if Aberdeen had shot themselves in the foot, Hayes hit back, saying: “Not at all. We’ve said from the start we can’t affect other teams’ results. We’ve just got to go out and do the best that we can do.
"Where we are at the minute is obviously the best that we can do. There were performances and games that we would like to have improved upon but there’s no point [in saying] what could have been or what should have been.
"We can’t affect that now so all we can do is look forward to the next game.”