The Gopibagh outfit, which has been in the doldrums for the six years, made its presence felt in the most empathic fashion when they arrived at the Dhaka Metropolis Football Federation (DMFA) office on the first day of the four-day bourse.

It was something that local football had never seen when a few thousand Brothers supporters entered the all-purpose Bangabandhu National Stadium on horse-driven carriages in traditional Old Dhaka style with a motorcycle and car procession closely following.

There were joyous scenes as the Brothers caravan move through the commercial hub of the city. The air was filled with the beating of drums, wild cheering mixed with the cries of 'we are the champions.'

"This is unique. For the first time a club came to the transfer market with such a colorful rally. It has added a new dimension to the transfer event," said DMFA chairman Abdur Rahim.

The tension and excitement regarding the player transfers was all but over on the very first day when the other giantsAbahani Krira Chakra, Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra and this year's biggest loser Mohammedan Sporting Club entered after the Brothers coup.

Country's number two custodian Biplob Bhattacharya was the first player to submit his token to a proud Brothers president FM Jahangir Alam. Then it was the turn of the new band of Brothers-- Mohammad Sujon, Rajani Kanta Barman, Alfaz Ahmed, Nazrul Islam, Firoz Mahmud Hossain Titoo, Monwar Hossain, Iqbal Hossain and Parvez Babu.

The only star missing in the Brothers galaxy was midfield maestro Arman Miah, who underwent a nose surgery on the same day.

Trustworthy central defender Rajani Kanta Barman, who was aboard during the pre-transfer drama, put behind the last minute speculation by joined the Gopibagh tent on Friday night.

After signing for Brothers Rajani, reportedly the highest paid player this year, said that he was confident to fulfil the club's dream of clinching a maiden league title.

"We will give our best to win the title for Brothers fans. I think we will have a lot of people behind us which we missed while playing for Muktijoddha," said Rajani, who played for the Reds for six seasons.

Although Brothers hogged the spotlight, manager Amir Khan believed that his side was still not ready to challenge for the League title.

"We should bring some quality foreign players to achieve the target. And this time you will find a more professional Brothers management," he said.

Abahani Krira Chakra emerged as the second-best team on paper signing up big names like Masud Rana, Arif Khan Joy, Mahmudul Hasan, Nizam Majumdar and veteran forward Rakib. A total of 18 players submitted their tokens for the sky blues.

"I love to take up a challenge that's why I joined Abahani even though I knew that it won't be the number one team," said Joy.

Masud Rana on the other hand said that he has planned to retire at the club that launched his career.

Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra made a brief appearance at the DMFA office to sign up some lesser-known players. But they signed their biggest asset and country's number one goalkeeper Aminul Haq on commission along with Rokonuzzaman Kanchan, Azmol Hossain Biddyut and Kabir.

Defending champions Mohammedan Sporting Club also entered the bourse, but there was little enthusiasm among the black and white supporters. Mohammedan, who were mourning at the loss of so many big names, had to find solace by roping in some mediocre players.

Besides, they have ensured the services of aging warriors Jewel Rana, and Imtiaz Ahmed Nakib along with Ariful Kabir.