 He was an important member of the Preston teams that won the 1995–96 Third Division title and 1999–2000 Second Division title.Cartwright also played in the 1993–94 Third Division and 2000–01 First Division play-off final defeats.In January 2004, Cartwright moved to Stockport County on a free transfer, where his 18-month stay was disrupted by injury, and then to Rochdale, where injuries limited him to 29 appearances before he was released.