Marc Tierney Retires from Football Aged 29

There's sad news coming out of Bolton Wanderers this morning, as it has been announced that Marc Tierney has had to retire from football at the mere age of 29.

The news probably doesn't come as a surprise to many, the left back has been out on the sidelines since he made a fantastic, full blooded challenge against Yeovil back in September 2013, but that doesn't make it any less sombre, as yet another Wanderer loses his career to injury.

He suffered a leg and ankle break on that faithful day and also required ligament reconstruction as he came worse off from the challenge, and after four different attempts to rectify the injury through surgery, a New York-based surgeon has deemed that he will not be able to play again.

Bolton fans would have first come accustomed to Tierney when he acted like a bit like a nob when he dived to the floor in order to get Ivan Klasnić sent off, whilst playing against us for Norwich City, back in the Premier League days. But he soon rectified his reputation amongst the Bolton fans in his few, but solid and passionate, appearances for the club.

Upon seeing him play for the first time I even commented on how I could see Tierney being a future Bolton captain one day, due to the passion and commitment with which he played. But alas, injury restricted him to only eight appearances in a white shirt.

Tierney said to the club's website:

"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."

He continued:

"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."

Manager Neil Lennon, who sadly never got to pick Tierney in one of his starting elevens, also offered his thoughts:

"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."

We hope you join all of us here at Lion of Vienna Suite in offering Marc all our sympathy and the best of luck in all his future endeavours.