[1] Carruthers was born in Nottingham and began his career with Aston Villa.
[1] He struggled for form in 1995–96 scoring just three goals after losing his place in the side in 1996–97 he joined Peterborough United in November 1996.
He spent three years at Peterborough scoring 21 goals in 67 league matches and after a short loan spell at York City he signed for Darlington.
[6] They both left the club in June 2012,[7] and Carruthers subsequently signed for Basford United as a player in 2012, becoming player-manager in 2013.
[10] In the 2021–22 season, Ilkeston were promoted as champions of the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands.