Runners-up on their arrival in the big stage in 2003-04, Russel failed to live up to the billing in their second season but they would be banking on their Moroccan connection to build up a strong side.

Five players from Morocco, start striker and 2003-04 season's top scorer Touti Younes, defender Burdeep Mohammed, midfielders Saad Abdul Fettah and Egir Mohammed -- all known faces -- and fresh import Khobashi Mohammed are due to arrive in the city this morning to complete the squad.

"I have a better team than three years ago," commented coach Wajed Gazi, who returns from Brothers Union to be at the helm of a side that flourished under him in their first appearance.

Russel, yet to register any player, have secured contracts of 18 locals with winger Tanvir being the highest paid player, informed president Nurul Alam Chowdhury.

"We are giving Tanvir Tk 7.5 lakh. Our total budget is Tk 1.75-crore and we hope to make infrastructure developments this season if we get help from the authority," informed Nurul, who has already appealed to delay the start of the league by two weeks for preparation.

Their camp will start at BKSP on January 29 but they will also use the Friends Club ground near their base in Uttara.

"We don't run after stars but hope that the local collection would be able to fight against the top names with help of the Moroccan players," he added.

Meanwhile, Farashganj managed to retain their strength for the Pro League after last season's impressive performance on their return to the Premiership.

The riverside outfit from old-Dhaka, hailed after stubborn shows against the big-budgeted teams in 2005, have registered 14 local footballers inclusive of seven old guards. They will soon add four locals to the squad.

Farashganj, who will mostly depend on foreign players like the previous season, have a couple of national players in their own veteran defender Abu Faisal Ahmed and Youngmen's impressive young striker Mohammed Robin.

Coach Mir Faruk is confident that his side will remain among the top five-six provided good foreign collection.

"If we get the foreigners who were with us last season, it would be possible. We haven't got any confirmation but I want to see the players in action before choosing them," said Faruk who has been with the club for six years.

"Our defence is strong, so we will be looking for two in the midfield, a good striker and if possible, a goalkeeper," he added.

Club general secretary Farid Uddin informed that they are in contact with Nigerians but a trip to Kolkata in search of foreigners was not very fruitful.

"We have an 80-lakh Taka budget and our highest paid player will receive Tk six lakh," said Farid. "I am convinced that our team will fight with the bug guns like the last year.

Admitting the fact that coaches are underpaid compared to players, Farid said that even big clubs follow this notion.

Farashganj had earlier chosen Rangamati as their home but backed out due to political situation.

"Our future plans include developing players in the hill tracts and we have already started the process."
RUSSEL FACTS
Goalkeepers: Shakil (Arambagh), Zia (Farashganj), Niloy (Agrani); defenders: Yusuf, Mishu, Aminul, Burdeep, Jahirul, Pradeep Barua (Russel), Hasan (MSC), Robin (Dhanmondi), Shawkat (Abahani); midfielders: Tanvir, Egir, Saad, Nayan, Kaiser (MSC), Amin Rana, Pappu (Muktijoddha), Rikto (Brothers); forwards: Younes, Khobashi, Bulbul (Russel).

Jersey: Blue/white (home), red/white (away).

Coaches: Wajed Gazi and Zahidur Rahman Milon (assistant).
FARASHGANJ FACTS
Goalkeepers: Uzzal (Farashganj), Azam Biplab (Russel); defenders: Faisal, Rony, Rajib, (Farashganj), Jamal (Wanderers), Riad (Muktijoddha), Kutub (Badda) Mamun (Youngmen's); midfielders: Kabir, Aminul, Liton, Khaled (Farashganj); forwards: Palash (Farashganj), Robin (Youngmen's), Khokon (Brothers).
Jersey: Sky-blue/blue (home), white/sky-blue (away).
Coaches: Mir Faruk and Rezaul Haque Jamal (assistant).