 His brother Paul is also a retired professional footballer.A graduate of the Oldham Athletic Academy where he made his debut in 2003, he has also played for Carlisle United, Shrewsbury Town, Colchester United, and Norwich City.Born in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, Tierney rose through the youth ranks at Oldham Athletic, making his professional debut for Oldham in a League Cup match in August of the 2003–04 season, against Scunthorpe United.