Martin Carruthers will be back on the touchlines of the BetVictor Northern Premier League on Saturday as Ilkeston Town manager after being reunited with Mark Clifford.
Carruthers, pictured, was unveiled on Thursday after new owner and manager Clifford opted to step back from his touchline duties to concentrate on running the Robins as head of football.
Former Boston United and Mansfield Town star Clifford had reinstalled himself as manager in October after buying the NPL Division One South East club.
Carruthers and Clifford enjoyed great success as Basford United‘s managerial team, Carruthers guiding the club to five promotions before taking over at Quorn in May. He left them in second spot and will take charge for the first time on Saturday when the sixth-placed Robins head to Kidsgrove Athletic.
CLUB STATEMENT: Club Restructurehttps://t.co/LkhIm2Cbdr pic.twitter.com/PXhUxjS7IR
— Ilkeston Town FC (@ilkestontown_fc) November 27, 2019
The former Aston Villa, Hull City and Peterborough United striker is also known to Robins fans having played for the club between 2006 and 2008. He also worked under Nigel Jemson assistant manager.
Clifford urged supporters to get behind Carruthers in a statement on the club’s website explaining his appointment and the benefits it will bring.
“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,” said Clifford.
“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 dugout 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.”
He 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 everyday 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.”
Clifford completed his takeover of last season’s Midland Football League Premier Division champions in mid-October after concluding successful negotiations with outgoing owner Alan Hardy.
Ex-Notts County owner Hardy purchased the club from the ashes of Ilkeston FC in July 2017 and oversaw promotion back to the Northern Premier League in his first year as chairman and oMartinwner.
Former Boston United and Mansfield Town star Clifford was only unveiled as head coach at the New Manor Ground in July.
Boston paid £7,500 to sign Clifford from Ilkeston in February 2001 before the defender helped the Pilgrims pip Dagenham and Redbridge to the Conference title in 2002. In total, he made 63 appearances for the club before leaving to join Nuneaton Borough.
He kicked off his touchline career at Basford United, working his way up through the ranks to U21s boss in 2015 before becoming number two to Martin Carruthers in 2016.
