Luton Town continued their rise up the English football pyramid during the 2021/22 campaign, securing a sixth-placed finish in the Championship, only eight years after their return to the Football League. 

Defying the odds, and defying football finance, the Hatters managed a play-off finish, eventually being edged out by Huddersfield Town during the second leg in Yorkshire.

The Hatters boss spoke to Luton Today straight after that clash and stated that their recruitment would start immediately, with Jones already knowing some of the players that his side will chase as the summer transfer window nears its opening.

Luton have recruited excellently over the last few years.

Their data-driven strategy when it comes to scouting, combined with the expertise provided by Mick Harford, the Hatters' continued progression can be attributed to the work of their recruitment department.

Here, we take a look at the best Luton Town XI from the past five seasons.

Do you agree?

James Shea just about takes the first spot in this side, with the experienced shot-stopper often playing a deputy role.

However, when he has stepped up to starting duty, especially during this campaign, he has been superb and a reliable pair of hands.

His kicking has also noticeably improved in recent months, whilst he has proven to have composure with the ball at his feet.

Shea currently finds himself sidelined with a knee injury, however, he could be an integral figure next season when he does return.

Making it two out of two from the current squad who makes this side, James Bree deserves a spot at right-wing-back in this side.

Perhaps this time last year, Jack Stacey would have been the obvious choice but the the 24-year-old has hit new heights this season, with Bree causing havoc with his set-pieces.

Stacey certainly had more of an impact from an attacking sense during the 2018/19 League One campaign, however, with Bree plying his trade a division higher, and when considering his all-around game, it is him who pips the now Bournemouth defender.

Reece Burke has proven to be an excellent addition this season, with his presence adding confidence and solidarity to Luton's current backline.

Able to progress forward with the ball and cause an attacking threat, Burke has been mightily impressive in Luton colours, with the ceiling remaining high for the 25-year-old.

An important player for the Hatters now, and likely to be important in the future, Burke definitely deserves a place in this side after just a season.

Sonny Bradley has continued to impress at Kenilworth Road this season, and whilst injuries have been a hindrance this season, his performances in the play-offs typified everything he is about.

A no-nonsense centre-back who dominates the majority of his aerial battles, Bradley has also improved as a ball carrier during his time with the Hatters.

Forming an excellent partnership with Matty Pearson during his first season in Bedfordshire, he has adapted to playing in a back three seamlessly.

Kal Naismith enjoyed a brilliant 2021/22 campaign, winning various awards at the club's presentation evening, whislt earning a place in FIFA 22's Team of the Season.

The classy central defender operated best when in the left-sided centre-back role, carrying the ball with attacking intent and with bundles of creativity.

Defensively speaking, he proved to be an intelligent reader of the game, all whilst dominating his ground and aerial duels.

He has also shown great adaptability this season too.

James Justin, who has just received his first senior England call-up is a must in this side too, with the full-back thriving in a left-wing-back role during the 18/19 season.

Biding his time before he was eventually unleashed to flourish under Jones' stewardship, Justin caused absolute chaos from the left flank, catching the eye at Leicester City as a result.

Justin netted three times and provided a further eight assists during the League One promotion-winning campaign, all whilst impressing defensively.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall spent a season with the Hatters when fans were not allowed to attend, however, he managed to catch the hearts of the Luton faithful with consistently starring performances from central midfield.

A skilful, determined and tactically-intelligent midfield operator, it is no surprise to see that he has gone on to succeed with Leicester City this season.

Possessing a wand of a left foot, Dewsbury-Hall scored some excellent goals during his loan stint with the Hatters, whilst creating chances regularly.

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu progression with the Hatters is one for the film-makers, with the 28-year-old starting his Luton career in the Conference.

Eight years later, and he is still as an integral part of the team as he was back then, with the all-action midfielder adapting with every step higher with maturity and confidence.

Known for the occasional stunning strike, his physicality and swagger in the middle of midfield has won his many admirers over the years at Kenilworth Road.

Could he complete an already stunning story with a Premier League ending?

Operating just ahead of the aforementioned duo, the player labelled as the best ever free transfer, Jordan Clark, deserves a spot.

The former Accrington Stanley winger has impressed in multiple positions since arriving in Bedfordshire, with an attacking midfield role getting the best out of him.

It is difficult leaving out Luke Berry in this side, however, Clark edges by playing more football than the former Cambridge United man this season.

A tough decision by all accounts.

Elijah Adebayo netted 16 times in 40 Championship appearances during the 2021/22 campaign, proving to be an important source of goals, whilst terrifying defences with his physicality.

He has also proven to be a frightening prospect when carrying the ball forward and running at defences, with the towering forward's jinking runs another success route for Adebayo.

Likely to face a tussle to keep him at Kenilworth Road this summer, Adebayo has enjoyed terrific rise since arriving at Luton's Bedfordshire home.

Whilst Cameron Jerome has impressed this season, and James Collins had been at the forefront of Luton's rise from the fourth-tier to the Championship, it is Harry Cornick that takes the final spot in this side.

The lightning-quick forward netted 12 goals in the Championship campaign, adding a clinical side to his play.

A direct runner, and a relentless presser, partnered next to Adebayo, he has been a major threat for the Hatters all year and is likely to provide a similar service going into the next season.