Full-back forced to call time on playing career
Bolton Wanderers defender Marc Tierney has been forced to call time on his playing career at the age of 29 due to a persistent ankle injury.
The full-back has been restricted to just eight appearances in a Bolton shirt after signing from Norwich City in the summer of 2013.
Tierney suffered a leg and ankle break and required ligament reconstruction following a challenge during a home game against Yeovil in September 2013.
He has since undergone four separate operations, and, after extensive rehabilitation attempts, a New York-based surgeon has diagnosed the injury as a permanent total disability.
Tierney said: “I'd like to place on record my thanks to the backroom staff, manager and chairman, who have all been brilliant in helping me in the best possible way.
“I would really have liked to have played for this manager, but unfortunately it hasn’t worked out that way.
“The club have been kind enough to allow me to still come in for physio, so my treatment is still ongoing. I want to get to the point where it doesn’t affect me in my normal life, a recreational ankle if you will.
“It’s obviously very disappointing, but I’ve got some great memories from my time as a player, from progressing up the leagues to playing in the Premier League. Of course, I wanted to help Bolton get back there, but it just wasn’t to be.”
Prior to his time at Macron Stadium Tierney had tasted success with Norwich, playing a key role in the side that gained promotion to the Premier League during the 2010/11 campaign.
Salford-born Tierney started his playing career with Oldham Athletic and has also represented Shrewsbury Town, with whom he reached the League Two play-off final, Carlisle United and Colchester United.
Neil Lennon said: “Everyone is gutted for Marc. Since we came through the door his attitude has been superb, but unfortunately it just isn’t to be.
“We of course wish him well in whatever he decides to do going forward and he’ll always be welcome back at Bolton.”