Vijayan, Ancheri for Bagan

“As we have already signed the deal, it would not be proper to represent Kerala, or any other State for that matter, in the Nationals. Though it is a bit disappointing, there is no other option except to skip the tournament,” said Vijayan.

The duo, who had donned the KBL FC Kochin colours this season, guiding them to triumph in the Durand Cup and a fourth place in the National League, are on their way back to Calcutta after an interval of three years. They joined the newly-formed professional side FC Kochin in April last year, from Jagatjit Cotton Textile Mills, after representing the Phagwara outfit for a couple of seasons.

“The offer was good. Hence the decision toswitch clubs. Besides, playing in Calcutta has always been something special,” said Vijayan on his decision to return to the maidan. Both TK Chathunni, the coach, and Chima Okerie, the striking partner of Vijayan in Bagan during early ’90s, were keen to have the deadly striker back in the club. Tutu Bose, the club chief, too persuaded him to return.

Bagan are also on the lookout for FC Kochin’s promising goalkeeper Dinesh Nair, who may join the club after doing his duty for the State team in the Santosh Trophy. The other prominent players in Bagan’s shopping list are Friday Elaiho, Samuel Omollo and Stephen Aberowei.

Chapman, Raman for Calcutta: Kerala’s intentions to field FC Kochin’s leading outstation footballers in the Nationals is almost sure to suffer a setback, with both Carlton Chapman and Raman Vijayan signing for East Bengal. The duo is busy completing the formalities of the transfer, it was learnt.

“I am indeed disappointed about leaving Kerala. But as a professional, I have to opt for theclub which agrees to almost all conditions put forward by me. Bagan simply did that,” said Vijayan. Though Vijayan refused the divulge the amount of contract, it is reportedly the highest-ever to be earned by an Indian footballer.

Sesa hold ITI: Mohammed Hassan’s intelligent game helped Sesa Goa to stop ITI Bangalore’s winning spree and draw their match 2-2, while Tollygunj Agragami edged past BSF 1-0 in the second Division National Football League Inter group play off matches at Bangalore today.

ITI dominated the first half and scored two goals in the 34th and 37th minutes, with Satish Kumar staring in both the goals.

Sesa Goa handicapped without their star player Alvito D’Cunha, who was injured while playing against BSF came back into the game after the breather to bring parity.

Hassan, who came in for Rishi Kapoor changed the scene his strikes in the 57th and 61st minutes.

In the other match, Tollygunj rode on a 56th minute goal by substitute Goub Senguptha’s header off Chandan Das.