Barnsley's memorable season reached a somewhat frustrating conclusion, as they missed out on promotion into the Premier League. 

Not many would have predicted that the Tykes would be challenging for promotion into the top-flight, having been battling for survival in the Championship in previous seasons.

But Valerien Ismael has taken the Yorkshire-based side to the next level, much to the delight of the Oakwell faithful this season.

The Tykes finished fifth in the Championship table this term, but were narrowly beaten on aggregate by Swansea City, who will now face Brentford for a place in the Premier League next season.

One player that certainly made a positive impact in his time with the club in this year's campaign was Daryl Dike, with the forward signing for the club on loan from American side Orlando City.

Dike wasted no time in making his mark with Ismael's side, as he went on to score nine goals in 22 appearances for Barnsley, and he caught the eye with a number of strong performances.

He was a second-half substitute for Barnsley in the second-leg of their play-off semi-final with Swansea City, but was unable to get himself on the scoresheet, as their promotion dream ended at the Liberty Stadium.

Dike will now return to Orlando City, and sent a parting message on Instagram to everyone associated with Barnsley, as he thanked them for their support this season.

It remains to be seen as to what the future holds for Dike, with the forward having previously been linked with moves to the likes of Everton, Manchester United, Chelsea and Leeds United earlier in this year's campaign.

 

 

The Verdict: 

He's been brilliant for the Tykes.

Barnsley needed someone that could come on and change the course of a game, and Dike certainly provided them with that in this year's campaign.

The Yorkshire-based side have been heavily-reliant on the goals of Cauley Woodrow in recent seasons, and Dike's arrival eased the pressure on the former Fulham man to provide the goals to fire Barnsley up the Championship table.

I would be stunned if Dike was to re-sign for Barnsley, as he's shown glimpses of his quality this term, and I think he'll be playing his football in the Premier League next season.