Former Norwich City left-back Marc Tierney has a new role within football after becoming sporting director at National League side Altrincham. 

Tierney, who played a key role in City's second successive promotion to the Premier League, has continued to work within football since his injury-enforced retirement in 2015 but has now stepped into a sporting director role for the first time. 

Altrincham have named the former City defender as Rob Esteva's successor, citing Tierney's 'wealth of experience' during his playing career coupled with his studies into the role that included shadowing those currently occupying the job elsewhere. 

Tierney joined Norwich from Colchester United in January 2011, having previously worked with then-boss Paul Lambert in Essex. He played a key role in their charge to the top-flight, remembered fondly for his celebratory cartwheels upon promotion being secured. 

He was a big personality in the City dressing room and went on to play a total of 39 matches for the Canaries, including 17 in the Premier League. 

Now, he faces a different task, but Tierney believes the experience throughout his career, including reaching the top during his time in Norfolk, will help him adapt to life in the fifth tier. 

Marc Tierney was part of Norwich City's promotion winning squad in 2011.Marc Tierney was part of Norwich City's promotion winning squad in 2011. (Image: Bill Smith/Newsquest)

"When I reflect on my playing career and look back on the weeks and months I spent in the Conference at Carlisle, it reminds me of something I always spell out whenever I speak to players," he told Altrincham's official channels.

"It's all glitz and glamour in the Premier League, but it doesn't happen by chance. It takes a lot of hard work to get there, but it is achievable if you have not only ability but the drive and determination to make it happen and a willingness to make sacrifices.

"That's what happened with me. I never stopped working at my game, regardless of the division I was in, and when Norwich were promoted, I made it into the Premier League and achieved my dream of playing at Old Trafford in front of 70,000-plus. You always have to aspire to something, set your targets and do everything you can to achieve them."