The news sparked major discussion among Saints fans online, many who felt Basher should be given a trial at the least. One went was far as asking Coughlin in the "JC Replies" section on The Official Site forum, and here is what JC said:
"There's no sentiment attached to it as I would treat Barry just like any other player. Barry Lavety is a striker and if there are better strikers out there and I can get them then I will, if he was the best I would certainly take him.
I don't attach anything to the fact that Barry has played here before, that I know him and that I'm friendly with him as he's a good lad. To do my job right I've got to view him as a player because if I was sentimental about it I would have all my pals playing here on a Saturday.
If I saw Barry and he was fit, had an agent phoning me about him saying that he was looking to get back into football and we could afford him then I would take him. Having said that I do believe that there are other players out there who are better than him which is one of the reasons that I haven't followed up on him as I have been aware for a while that he is available.
My targets are elsewhere, who I believe will do a better job for us. "
So it seems a case of call us, we won't call you. My personal opinion is that I would love to see Barry back in the stripes, however only if he was given a trial first and could prove he was up to the job, so I agree entirely about the sentimental part.
So it's in your hands Barry, if you want to come back to Love Street give them a call :-)