Johan Cruyff returns to Ajax

Johan Cruyff has returned to Ajax on an advisory basis after agreeing to become a member of one of three "sounding board groups".

A meeting last night between general manager Rik van den Boog, Ajax's board of directors and Cruyff confirmed the former Holland playmaker's willingness to advise on technical issues.

The other two sounding boards will focus on financial and association matters.

Ajax also announced further talks would be held to determine whether Cruyff's role would be expanded.

Cruyff won eight Eredivisie titles and three European Cups with the Amsterdam club as a player over two spells.

He also coached the club to the 1987 European Cup Winners' Cup crown.

The 63-year-old is equally revered at Barcelona, where he is credited with implementing the club's current pass-and-move style of play.

As a player at the Nou Camp, he won the 1974 Primera Division crown and, as coach, guided them to four Spanish titles and their first European Cup.