Herbert Tierney, one of manager Arthur Chadwick’s many signings from Lancashire, joined Exeter City from Bury and made eleven Southern League appearances in 1908/09 starting with the club’s second-ever professional game. Remaining in the team for one more season, he was later wounded in the Great War. 

After playing schools’ football Herbert appeared for Heaton Park of the Manchester Amateur League before turning professional with Bolton Wanderers where he made one appearance in the Football League. 

Brought to Exeter City by the club’s Lancastrian manager Arthur Chadwick, Herbert arrived on the eve of the club’s first campaign as a professional club and made his debut in the second Southern League match of the season against Bristol Rovers. Not selected for the next fixture he waited until the Plymouth Argyle game in early March before having a run of games towards the end of the season. Remaining at the club for the following season, he added another 21 league appearances (scoring twice) before playing for Darlington, Lincoln City (two league appearances in 1912/13), Castleford, Goole Town and Rochdale. 

Herbert’s playing career ended after being wounded during the First World War when he lost his sight in one eye and, much later, he was reported to have paid a return visit to St James Park in July 1950 when holidaying in the area.