Cantona returns with New York Cosmos

(CNN) -- Former Manchester United and France international forward Eric Cantona is back in the sport after being named as director of football for the newly-reformed New York Cosmos.

The 44-year-old, who retired as a professional nearly 14 years ago, was voted United's player of the century after sparking a trophy-winning revival at Old Trafford.

"I am very honored to join the legendary New York Cosmos," Cantona told the club's official website.

"It's a big project, a wonderful project. The Cosmos are very strong, beautifully made, with a great past. It's kind of a mix between football and art.

"I will do everything that I can to help us first find our way to regain the number one position in the United States, and then for us to become one of the best clubs in the world over the coming years."

Can the Cosmos spark soccer tribalism in the U.S.?

The New York Cosmos were five-time champions of the North American Soccer League in a 10-year period between 1972 and 1982 before the competition folded in 1985.

Among their list of former players are World Cup winners such as Germany's Franz Beckenbauer and Brazilian pair Pele and Carlos Alberto.

Former Coventry City and U.S. national team player Cobi Jones will work alongside Cantona at the club -- who hope to earn a Major League Soccer (MLS) berth.

The Cosmos currently have no players or stadium, however MLS commissioner Don Garber has supported their bid to enter America's top division.

"We are very focused on trying to have that 20th team in New York, a second team in New York, a rival for the Red Bulls," Garber told CNN.

Elsewhere, former Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Ruud Gullit has been appointed as head coach of Russian Premier League team Terek Grozny.

"I'm very happy with my contract," Gullit is reported as saying by the BBC. "I look forward to getting back into it and this is a beautiful, great opportunity for me."

Terek are currently 12th in Russia's top flight and only three points clear of the relegation zone.

The Chechen outfit lifted the Russian Cup in 2004 and as a result participated in the following season's UEFA Cup, the competition now known as the Europa League.

Before his spell with the Galaxy, Gullit also managed in the English Premier League with Chelsea and Newcastle United.

As a player, Gullit was a member of the Netherlands' 1988 European Championship winning side and also played for the successful AC Milan side of the early 1990s.

Another appointment made on Wednesday was at Italian Serie A side Catania, who have announced former Argentina international Diego Simeone as their new head coach.

Simeone will replace outgoing coach Marco Giampaolo, who left the club by mutual consent on Tuesday with them lying 15th in Serie A.

The 40-year-old Simeone represented Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Lazio during his playing career.