Background
Kiernan was born in Coatbridge and began his career with Clydebank in 1937 before joining Albion Rovers a year later.
Kiernan was born in Coatbridge and began his career with Clydebank in 1937 before joining Albion Rovers a year later.
He also played for Albion Rovers, Alloa Athletic and Celtic. He scored 13 goals for the "Wee Rovers" and earned a move to Celtic where he spent on season before he was signed by English club Stoke City for a then club record fee of £8,500. He was a regular at inside right under the management of Bob McGrory in 1947-1948 playing in 26 matches scoring six goals as Stoke a frustrating season finishing in 15th position.
After playing just four matches at the start of 1948-1949 Kiernan was then sold to Second Division Luton Town in November 1948 for £6,000.
With the "Hatters" Kiernan played in three seasons scoring 15 goals in 60 matches before he returned to Scotland in 1950 with Street Mirren. After a brief spell in Wales with Barry Town and made a return to Albion Rovers and ended his career with Alloa Athletic.