Barnsley did awfully well in the Championship last season, avoiding relegation by the narrowest of margins on the final day.
Gerhard Struber did a fine job late in the season and wins over Nottingham Forest and Brentford right at the death meant that Barnsley survived on the back of Wigan’s 12-point deduction.
The next step for the Tykes will be establishing themselves in the second-tier over a period of time, with Struber surely recognising the hard work needs to continue to avoid that fatal ‘second season syndrome’.
Recruitment will play a big part in giving Barnsley the best chance of surviving, but could they attack the free-agent market and looking to pick up a couple of cheap deals this summer?
We take a look at a few that are available…
The former Liverpool and Hull City midfielder is available after cutting ties with the Tigers.
He’s a steady midfield option to have around in the Championship and might be someone Struber takes a shine to.
His energy is impressive.
The Norwegian midfielder is another former Hull City player, but he spent some time out on loan with Bristol City last season.
The 28-year-old is a good player in the Championship and could be a clever addition at Oakwell.
Shotton’s previous club was Middlesbrough and his spell at the Riverside has just come to an end.
He’s a dependable defender, who is comfortable at right-back or centre-back.
Given Struber’s occasional three-man defence, this could work out and Shotton’s experience would help the younger players in the Tykes’ squad.
The former promotion winner is a free-agent after leaving Aston Villa.
Loans with Preston and Charlton weren’t great last season, but there’s a player in Green that can rip things up in the Championship.
Barnsley could do far worse than having a look.
Irvine is the third former Hull man to make this list, with the Australian on the lookout for a new club.
He’s got great attributes and could be a real asset to many sides in the Championship.
Irvine could ease the burden on Alex Mowatt in the midfield.
The former Sheffield Wednesday man would be a great option to bring in at Barnsley.
He’s a tenacious midfielder with plenty of Championship experience.
That could make him a real asset in this young squad Struber has.
Martin is past his peak, but he still had a good season for Derby in the Championship in 2019/20.
11 goals and six assists was a superb return and Derby did want to keep him around.
So, if Barnsley can stump up a decent contract offer, they might get the 31-year-old on board.
Potentially another really good experienced addition.