Former Norwich defender Marc Tierney bears no grudge towards Chris Hughton after clinching a move back to the north-west and Championship promotion hopefuls Bolton.

Tierney's sole Premier League appearance under the City manager came in an opening day humiliation at Fulham 12 months ago.

The left-back was one of ten players released at the end of the previous campaign but the 27-year-old feels he has landed on his feet with the ambitious Trotters.

'I wanted to work with someone who was hungry and who could get me going like Paul Lambert did so, when I spoke to Dougie Freedman I thought he was going to do exactly that,' he said.

'Chris Hughton is a fine fellow, but football-wise we didn't see eye to eye. That's absolutely fine, and it has paid off for me because a club the stature of Bolton came in and I've got a manager who will really get me going.

'There were other offers and I was flattered by the interest from some very good clubs. However, once I had spoken to Dougie I told my agent that was my number one target.

'The club sold itself and to have an enthusiastic manager who will leave no stone unturned to get where he wants is what I need. Normally, I'm like everyone else, I don't like the thought of starting pre-season. But this year I can't wait.'

Tierney's last competitive visit to the Reebok in Norwich's 2-1 Premier League win back in September 2011 was notable for an altercation between the full-back and Wanderers' forward Ivan Klasnic that saw the striker red-carded. Tierney is not expecting any hangover when he meets up with his new team mate in the coming weeks.

'There was a bit of a to do. It's part and parcel of the game,' he told the Bolton News. 'He gave me a 'Salford kiss.' I like a strong tackle but a fair one. I am not a reckless idiot. It's something people can't quite believe when they meet me.

'There are a few people who don't like me on the pitch, but they have no problems with me off it. I couldn't really care less because you are not out there to make friends. You are there to win games. I really needed that spirit and determination to be a footballer and because of that it's how I still approach the game. It's about using whatever you can to get one over on your opponent.'