 After leaving St Johnstone he had a short spell with another Fife club, Cowdenbeath, before retiring from the game.Rutherford was held in such high regard by St Johnstone fans that, despite twenty years having passed since his time at the club, a benefit night was organised to raise funds after hearing of his illness.Although Rutherford himself was too ill to attend, his family was represented along with many of his former teammates.