It has been a rollercoaster of a ride for Barnsley over the last few years, with their relegation to League One being confirmed, following a play-off finish the term before. 

The Tykes saw Valerien Ismael depart for pastures new in the summer, taking Alex Mowatt with him to West Brom, whilst another bright spark during that campaign, Daryl Dike, is also now at The Hawthorns.

Unable to gain any sort of momentum under Markus Schopp, it was a similar kind of story for Poya Asbaghi, who the Tykes have also now parted company with.

Now back in League One, Barnsley will be targeting an immediate return to the Championship and will be eager to continue this trend of having hectic seasons.

Here, we take the attention off the current situation at the club and look at Barnsley's strongest XI from the last five years.

Do you agree? What changes would you make?

Brad Collins has been a reliable pair of hands for the Tykes over recent seasons, and whilst it has been a difficult campaign this time around, he has still shown glimpses of excellence.

Not only does he possess excellent shot-stopping abilities, he is also a very commanding goalkeeper for being just 25 years of age.

He is also very good with his feet and has a great range of passing, whilst he has the composure required to deal with the opposition pressing.

Another who has not been able to show the same amount of ability he displayed last year, partly through injury disruption, Callum Brittain has still shown enough to make this side.

A wing-back with buckets of energy, Brittain's crossing ability, and general final third play became a real weapon for the Tykes last season.

A good one-on-one defender, it will be interesting to see how he fares up in League One, should he remain at Oakwell until the expiry of his contract in 2023.

Mads Andersen is the third player in this team, and he is yet another who is still currently plying his trade at Oakwell.

Interestingly enough, the defence have stood strong for most of the campaign, with the Dane impressing for large parts of the season.

A defender who tends to dominate his aerial and ground battles, he is also very intelligent in his own third, whilst he has developed year on year technically speaking too.

Andersen's ability would justify higher level interest in the summer.

Michal Helik is simply too good to be playing his football in England's third-tier next season, with the Poland international showing top-end Championship ability since his arrival.

Another who dominates both his aerial and ground duels, he is a big part as to why their defensive record was not much worse this season.

Like his Danish counterpart, he can also progress forward with the ball at his feet and break the lines into the midfield and beyond.

Helik is likely to be on the radar of several clubs this summer.

Finally, Ethan Pinnock represents the first player in this squad who is now playing his football away from Oakwell.

The 28-year-old career's gone from strength to strength since departing the Yorkshire club in 2019.

Picked up from non-league football, Pinnock quickly adapted to League One football, and then again to the Championship with the Tykes and Brentford.

Still with the Bees, he has just enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in the Premier League, playing regularly under Thomas Frank.

The most difficult position on the pitch has to be this left-wing-back position, and whilst another player would be a better option, they are more suited to a more advanced role.

Therefore, this decision has been a lot tougher than most other areas of the pitch, but Remy Vita takes the spot after showing glimpses of his quality this season.

An attack-minded wing-back with excellent technical ability, the 21-year-old certainly has an exciting future in the game.

The void that Alex Mowatt has left after departing for West Brom has been evident for all to see, with the left-footed maestro not seeing much success at his new club.

The heartbeat of the team during their 5th placed finish last time out, Mowatt's range of passing, creativity and all around play makes him the first name on this team sheet.

Barnsley's demise this season is not because Mowatt left, but his departure has certainly played a large enough role in all of it.

Another who has not enjoyed the best of seasons, but was a real star during the last, Romal Palmer will partner Mowatt in this side.

Possessing excellent levels of creativity, attacking drive and genuine class when in possession, it is hard to see why he has not stepped up and shone in Mowatt's absence this year.

A player who could depart this summer, Palmer has been offered a new deal by the now League One outfit.

Callum Styles runs Mowatt close to being the first name on the team sheet, with Styles another who has ability way beyond England's third-tier.

A now Hungary international, the 22-year-old could be deployed in this side in several roles, including a deeper midfield role, left wing-back, and should this side have been with wingers, then he would also fit there.

A wand of a left foot, and a player who sees the game quicker than most, Styles is a top performer whose ability does not justify a year in League One.

A short sample size, in regards to the few games he did play in a Barnsley shirt but it is difficult to leave Daryl Dike out of this side, when considering the impact he made at Oakwell.

Key to the Tykes finishing inside the play-offs last time out, the American international's athleticism and attacking intelligence caused all sorts of problems in the Championship.

Recovering from injury at West Brom, when he is fit, he could be a real weapon for Steve Bruce's side to rely on.

Cauley Woodrow played alongside Dike during the second half of the 2020/21 campaign, with the former Fulham striker's craft and clever tricks allowing the young er forward to flourish.

Woodrow has been excellent in recent seasons for the Tykes, with the latest one being disrupted by injuries.

Perhaps it is a bit harsh leaving out Carlton Morris, but what a super sub to call upon in this team of Barnsley greats over the last five years.