Carruthers brings with him a wealth of football knowledge from both on and off the field, with his playing career spanning over 25 years, after starting out as a scholar in 1990 at Aston Villa.

After spending time on loan at Hull City; he went on to forge a successful career at Stoke City, Peterborough United, Southend United and Scunthorpe United to name a few, scoring over 147 goals throughout.

His non-League playing career began in 2005 after joining Grantham Town and subsequently Ilkeston Town (initially on loan) in 2006. He became a player/assistant-manager shortly after before joining Arnold Town in 2008.

He went on to manage Basford United through five promotions during his time, with new Ilkeston owner Mark Clifford as assistant-manager, embarking on his last promotion with Basford United in the 2017/18 campaign, seeing the first team snatch the league title with over 100 points.

He joined Quorn AFC in May 2019 as manager.

Clifford will be stepping aside to move into his new role as head of football at the club. This will allow him to focus on the off-field side of the business, alongside supporting Carruthers.

Clifford tolds https://www.ilkestontownfc.com: “Martin has always been a key person I was going to bring to the club when the time was right, and this initially was going to be at the end of the season. With becoming the owner of the club, I felt the time was right now – but I want fans to be assured that I am not jumping ship, moving away or ‘sacking myself’ for that matter. I am simply doing what I feel is best now and what will be a pivotal time for the club.

“I will remain a large part of the team and I won’t be far away from the dug-out on matchdays. I’ll be there, in the stands with the ability to communicate with Martin providing my input where needed.

“Martin and I have worked extremely well together in the past, and I believe with his football knowledge and contacts in addition to mine we will grow this team and push for that promotion we all so badly want to achieve.”

Clifford will be overseeing more of the day to day running of the club along with the investors who are making great strides in planning for the development.

Clifford added “The club is going from strength to strength and there is so much more to be done that I will be able to give my time to from taking a step back as head coach.

“Everyone has been working hard behind the scenes, and it can only get better for all involved. We will soon be announcing a new Pouring Rights partner, and I can confirm the 3G pitch has been ordered.

“I will step back into the dug-out again as that is where my heart lies and ultimately that is what I want to do. I anticipate that may be in the summer. However, every day is different in the football world and things may change again.

“We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel – but simply adding meat to the bones of what we already have in place. I’d personally like to welcome Martin to the club and I truly believe this is a great step forward for the club and I’m sure I’ll have the continued support from the fans as always.”

Scott Goodwin will remain as assistant head coach of the first team.

(Ilkeston Town FC)