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.