Rutherford was one of a number of obscure players who appeared briefly
as guests for Leeds City during the First World War when it was difficult
to field settled sides.
He made three Midland Section appearances for City in February and March
1919, and, according to the Leeds Mercury at the time, Rutherford
was a Tottenham player.
Rutherford's City debut came on 22 February, away to Bradford Park
Avenue. Regular Peacocks centre-half Harry Sherwin had been unavailable
for weeks, and replacement Jack Hampson was also absent. Full-back Charlie
Copeland deputised against Nottingham Forest on 15 February, but had
been hopelessly out of his depth in a 4-0 reverse.
Rutherford was the player asked to fill the void and, according to the
Leeds Mercury, he 'was useful, though apt to be outmanoeuvred by
his nimble opponent'. When a Bradford defender failed to clear Rutherford's
long kick downfield, it led indirectly to Peart opening the scoring in
a 3-1 victory.
Hampson replaced Rutherford the following week in the home return with
Bradford, but after a 5-2 defeat, Rutherford was recalled for the Elland
Road clash with Sheffield United on 8 March. According to the Yorkshire
Post, 'A clever and very useful display was also given at centre-half
by Rutherford, the newcomer, who improved much in form as compared with
his initial appearance with the City at Park Avenue.' City won 2-1, but
the Mercury commented on his lack of condition.
He made a third and final appearance a week later when City lost 1-0
away in the return fixture at Bramall Lane. He then disappeared from
view, thought not to have appeared for any other club in the Football
League.
